James Walkinshaw

James Robert Walkinshaw was born on October 22, 1982, and is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party. He currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 11th Congressional District, a position he has held since September 2025. His district includes most of Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the towns of Vienna and Herndon.

Walkinshaw won a special election to replace the late U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly, securing approximately 75% of the vote in his victory over Republican Stewart Whitson.

Education

Walkinshaw graduated from New York University and subsequently became involved in Democratic politics in Northern Virginia.

Political Experience

Early Career

Walkinshaw began his political career by managing Gerry Connolly's 2007 campaign for Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Connolly's successful 2008 campaign for the United States House of Representatives. He then served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Connolly from 2009 until 2019, overseeing all aspects of the congressman's office and serving as his chief adviser on various issues.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Walkinshaw served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors representing the Braddock District from 2020 until his resignation in 2025. During his tenure, he:

• Secured state funding for local schools
• Expanded solar energy initiatives and local environmental protections
• Advanced gun safety reforms, including banning guns from libraries and recreation centers
• Championed collective bargaining for county employees
• Expanded affordable housing and reduced plastic waste
• Provided tax relief for seniors, military families, and spouses of fallen service members
• Chaired the Board's Legislative Committee

He also led the Regional Transportation Planning Board and served as Chair of the Virginia Railway Express Operations Board in 2023, helping lead the system's expansion efforts.

Congressional Service

In Congress, Walkinshaw serves on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and its Military and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, as well as the Committee on Homeland Security. He is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

His legislative priorities include protecting Social Security and Medicare, expanding housing and infrastructure, combating climate change, defending reproductive freedom, protecting victims of sexual assault, eliminating partisan gerrymandering, and banning assault-style weapons.