Make your voice heard in the special election for US House of Representatives on September 9, and the Democratic and Republican party-run nominating events this weekend! 

Fairfax County voters who live in the 11th Congressional District will elect a new U.S. Representative in a special election on Tuesday, September 9, to fill the seat previously held by the late Congressman Gerry Connolly.  

Before that election, both the Democratic and Republican parties will hold party-run nominating events this week — and weekend.  (Note: These “primaries” are not administered by Fairfax County or the Virginia Department of Elections.) 

The Democratic Party will hold an “Unassembled Caucus”, also known as a Firehouse Primary, while the Republican Party will hold a “Canvas” event. More information about each event may be found at the party links provided, while dates, times, and candidates for each nominating event are listed below.  

The Democratic Caucus  

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 

Polls Open: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM 

Polling Locations: 17 locations across the 11th District, including libraries, government centers, schools, and community centers (registered voters may choose any location) 

Early Voting: June 24 – 26 from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Fairfax County Government Center 

Democratic Candidates on the Ballot 

• Amy Roma 

• Irene Shin 

• Stella G. Pekarsky 

• Leo J. Martinez Nucete 

• James R. Walkinshaw 

• Candice Bennett 

• Amy Papanu 

• Dan Lee 

• Dr. Priya Punnoose 

• Ross William Branstetter IV 

The Republican Canvas (pre-registration for the Canvas is strongly recommended Deadline to pre-register is June 25) 

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 

Polls Open: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 

Polling Location: Fairfax High School (candidates will be present to make remarks throughout the day) 

Early Voting: June 27 from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Fairfax County Government Center 

Republican Candidates on the Ballot 

The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR) has not endorsed candidates for the Democratic and Republican nominating contests, although several candidates have been endorsed and supported in races for other offices.  

These candidates include Supervisor James Walkinshaw in his elections to represent the Braddock District on the Fairfax County Board, Delegate Irene Shin in the Virginia House of Delegates, and Senator Stella Pekarsky in the Senate of Virginia.   

With a compressed timeline and a large field of candidates, every vote is critical in this special election. Whether you support a candidate who already has an established relationship with Realtors®, or you have someone else in mind, we urge you to make your voice heard at the ballot box. As Realtors®, your perspective matters — members of Congress make decisions nearly every day that shape federal policies on housing, lending, the economy, and the communities where we live and work. 

Take a break from the heat and make a plan to show up, vote, and ensure our industry’s voice is part of the conversation.