Virginia — 11th District

Voters in Fairfax County and Fairfax City will head to the polls Tuesday to decide who will represent Virginia’s 11th Congressional District on Capitol Hill.

A after the death of longtime U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly in May from esophageal cancer. Connolly, a Democrat, had held the seat since 2009.

Democratic nominee James Walkinshaw and Republican nominee Stewart Whitson are .

Watch the candidates answer questions from or in the media player below:

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order based on last name.

James Walkinshaw (D)

, a Democrat, is a Northern Virginia native who was elected in 2019 to represent the Braddock District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Since then, his campaign says he has focused on environmental initiatives, gun restrictions in county facilities, and expanding local government programs. On the board, he has supported tax relief measures for seniors and military families.

Walkinshaw’s campaign said he previously served more than a decade as chief of staff to the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, helping advance Democratic priorities in Congress, including the Affordable Care Act and climate-related legislation, while also securing federal funds for Fairfax County. Walkinshaw now chairs the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, helping to shape regional transit, and has held leadership roles with the Virginia Railway Express, where he oversaw the introduction of Saturday service, according to his campaign. He has also worked with youth mentoring programs and county domestic violence initiatives.

Stewart Whitson (R)

, a Republican, is a longtime resident of Great Falls. Whitson is a U.S. Army combat veteran, former FBI Special Agent, and licensed attorney. His campaign says he currently serves as senior director of federal affairs at what his campaign describes as a leading conservative think tank, where he oversees efforts to advance limited government and constitutional principles on Capitol Hill. He frequently testifies before Congress and provides policy briefings, according to his campaign.

Whitson’s campaign said he served nearly a decade with the FBI, where he led intelligence operations and national security investigations. He was the lead investigator on the first ISIS-claimed attack in the United States and deployed overseas in support of counterterrorism missions, according to his campaign, and served on the FBI SWAT team and as a legal advisor. His Army service included more than 300 combat missions in Iraq, one of which led to the rescue of a hostage, according to his campaign.

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HOW TO VOTE

Tuesday is the last opportunity for voters to cast ballots in this special election.

Voters must be registered in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District to participate. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters should cast ballots at their assigned polling place.

To check your polling location or district, use Virginia's .

The deadline to return vote-by-mail ballots in a drop box or by hand to the election office is 7 p.m. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked today and received by noon on Sept. 12.

SAME-DAY REGISTRATION

Same-day registration is available only at your precinct polling place.

When you arrive at your polling location, ask for a provisional ballot.

Voters with questions can call their general registrar’s office or the Department of Elections at 1-800-552-9745 or email [email protected].

7News will have coverage of this race and results on air, online, and in the free 7News mobile app.