Early voting kicked off for a special election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District Friday, as contenders look to fill the seat left vacant by the late Rep. Gerry Connolly.
Connolly died in May following a battle with esophageal cancer. He served Virginia’s 11th District, which includes Fairfax City and most of Fairfax County.
Voters will be able to cast their ballots in-person from July 25 through Sept. 6. Early voting sites include the Fairfax County Government Center in Fairfax and the North County Governmental Center in Reston.
Democrat James Walkinshaw, Connolly’s former chief of staff who’s pledged to advance “Gerry’s legacy forward,” is facing Republican challenger Stewart Whitson in the race. The last time Republicans held the posting was in 2006.
Both candidates will be participating in a candidate forum Monday, July 28, at the Reston Community Center. The event, hosted by The Reston Citizens Association will include a 60-minute Q&A segment.
