Social media accounts for the late Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) urged Democrats to vote for his former chief of staff James Walkinshaw in the party’s upcoming special election, in posts Tuesday.
“Early voting starts TODAY in VA-11! This is our first chance to stand up for our workers, our schools, our democracy, and everything Gerry fought for. Before his passing, Gerry endorsed James Walkinshaw to carry on that legacy because he knew James would never stop fighting for us. Make your plan and vote early and bring a friend. Every vote matters,” the post on Connolly’s Facebook page reads.
A post on X was an abbreviated version of the Facebook post. Both of the posts, which were from Connolly’s campaign accounts, included the same photo of Connolly and Walkinshaw.
Connolly died last month after a short battle with cancer.
The posts come ahead of the special Democratic primary for Connolly’s former district, which will be held Saturday. Walkinshaw is one of several Democrats vying to replace Connolly. The party’s other contenders include Virginia Del. Irene Shin, state Sen. Stella Pekarsky, and Fairfax County planning commissioner Candice Bennett.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has set the special general election for the seat for Sept. 9.
The heavily Democratic congressional district includes much of the Northern Virginia suburb of Fairfax County and Fairfax City. Former Vice President Kamala Harris won the district by 34 points in the 2024 presidential election, while Connolly won reelection by more than 33 points.
