Incumbent
James Walkinshaw
Incumbent Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Virginia
$4.2K
NOV 7, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Live Odds — VA-11 House winner?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
98.5%chance to win
$4.2KNOV 7, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleU.S. Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyMainstream Democrat
Age43 years old (Oct 22, 1982)
GenderMale
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LocationVirginia
BackgroundU.S. Representative
EducationNew York University (B.A., Politics, 2005)
Notable personal detailsJames Robert Walkinshaw is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. representative for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District (first elected in a September 9, 2025 special election). He previously represented the Braddock District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (2020–2025) and served for a decade as chief of staff to Rep. Gerry Connolly. He earned a B.A. from New York University and has focused much of his public work on federal workforce, transportation, and regional governance issues.
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Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports federal investment in infrastructure, research, and workforce development and opposes large tax cuts and draconian budget reductions that reduce revenue; emphasizes protecting the federal workforce and preventing policies that primarily cut taxes for the wealthy.
Healthcare
Supports treating health care as a right, protecting and strengthening the Affordable Care Act, expanding access to primary and mental health care, lowering prescription drug prices, and defending Medicare and Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations.
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Immigration & Border
Supports comprehensive immigration reform that expands legal pathways and creates a pathway to citizenship; opposes large ICE detention facilities and aggressive ICE practices; raises concerns about harms to children and civil liberties from current enforcement actions.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports access to comprehensive reproductive health care including abortion and endorses federal legislation to protect abortion rights nationwide such as the Women’s Health Protection Act.
Climate & Energy
Supports bold federal action and investments in clean energy, climate resilience, and green jobs; opposes expansion of offshore drilling and seeks to restore and strengthen clean energy tax credits and Chesapeake Bay restoration funding. Has led local efforts on solar, vehicle electrification, zero-waste, and plastic bag fees.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, requiring background checks for all gun sales, and implementing red flag laws; opposes federal concealed-carry mandates that override state protections. Has led local efforts to restrict guns in county buildings, parks, libraries and championed implementation of a state red flag law.
Latest News
James Walkinshaw is in the news for joining Virginia Democrats on an unannounced visit to an ICE detention facility in Chantilly, where he said conditions appeared improved and the facility seemed to be following court-ordered procedures, though he still said conditions were not ideal. He has also recently introduced the DHS Accountability Act of 2026, aimed at requiring faster congressional notification and independent investigations after serious injuries or deaths involving DHS personnel or people in federal custody. Separately, he is part of the crowded Virginia primary season, with Democratic candidates competing for congressional nominations ahead of the midterms.
Virginia voter guide: What’s on the ballot in Tuesday’s primary election
Walkinshaw Bill Would Require DHS To Report Deaths, Serious Injuries To Congress
Virginia congressmen find better conditions on surprise visit to Chantilly ICE facility
1st District Democrats use forum to try to stand out from the crowd
Endorsements
6Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
2026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
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