Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Tuesday set a special election for Sept. 9, 2025, to fill the congressional seat left vacant by the death of Rep. Gerry Connolly, a longtime Democratic fixture in Northern Virginia who passed away May 21 after a recurrence of cancer.

The writ of election, issued by Youngkin’s office, triggers a high-stakes contest in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, a region that leans solidly Democratic and is home to a large population of federal workers. Candidates hoping to compete must file by July 11, with eligibility details available on the Department of Elections website.

Connolly, 75, died just weeks after announcing he would not seek reelection. First elected to Congress in 2008 after a decade on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as chair, Connolly became known as a detail-oriented legislator with a focus on government oversight and civil service protections. Before his time in local government, he worked on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and held positions in the private sector with firms like SRI International and SAIC.

His death set off a cascade of questions about how and when the seat would be filled. 

Virginia law requires the governor to call a special election to replace a congressional representative, but offers flexibility on timing. Elections must be held on a Tuesday and cannot occur within 55 days of a regularly scheduled general or primary election — a restriction that ruled out much of the summer due to Virginia’s June 17 congressional primaries.

Manisha Singh, chair of the 11th District Democratic Committee, told The Mercury last week her group has been preparing for this moment while awaiting Youngkin’s decision. She described the task ahead as urgent but clear — to ensure a transparent and accessible nomination process. 

“Our voters will have plenty of opportunity to have their voice heard,” Singh said. She added that the local party’s role is not to favor any one candidate, but to oversee a fair election process.

Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Sen. Lamont Bagby, D-Henrico, said last week that the party intentionally held off on finalizing its plans out of respect for the governor’s timeline. With the election date now set, he said, urgency will be key. “I want to see a nomination process that gives voters time and space to be heard,” Bagby said.

Democrats are expected to hold a “firehouse primary” in mid-July to select their nominee. The Fairfax County Democratic Committee has already begun lining up polling locations, with plans to offer at least one site in each magisterial district.

Several candidates have already stepped forward or signaled interest in the Democratic nomination. 

Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw, who once served as Connolly’s chief of staff and had already received the late congressman’s endorsement, is widely seen as a frontrunner. Also weighing bids are state Sen. Stella Pekarsky, D-Fairfax; Fairfax Planning Commissioner Candice Bennett; and attorney Amy Roma, a Vienna resident who specializes in global energy policy.

Singh acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a lawmaker as experienced and deeply rooted in the community as Connolly. “It is a humongous void that we are feeling right now, and it’s some really big shoes to fill,” she said. Still, she voiced confidence in the emerging field of candidates. “We have some excellent candidates who I am very sure are up to the challenge.”

On the Republican side, Mike Van Meter, a former law enforcement officer who lost to Connolly in 2024 by a 67-33% margin, has announced plans to run again. So far, no other Republican contenders have entered the race.

Connolly’s legacy looms large over the upcoming contest. In his final message to constituents, delivered just weeks before his death, he reflected on his 30 years in public service and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve: “My extended family — you all have been a joy to serve.”

The full writ of election is available on the Virginia Department of Elections website, elections.virginia.gov. 

This story originally appeared on Virginiamercury.com.

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