Virginia Schedules Special Election for Connolly Seat

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has scheduled a special election for September 9 to fill the 11th Congressional District seat left vacant by the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, who died in May of esophageal cancer. Candidates must file by July 11 to appear on the ballot. The heavily Democratic district, covering most of Fairfax County and the city of Fairfax, has drawn a crowded Democratic field, including James Walkinshaw, state Sen. Stella Pekarsky, state Del. Irene Shin, Candice Bennett, Amy Roma, Josh Aisen, and Leopoldo Martinez. On the Republican side, Mike Van Meter and Nathan Headrick have announced their candidacies. Connolly had previously endorsed Walkinshaw for the seat. The Democratic nominee is expected to be favored, and the process for selecting party nominees is yet to be finalized.