Democrat Irene Shin Joins Crowded 11th District Congressional Race

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HERNDON, VA — Democrat Irene Shin, who represents the Herndon area in the Virginia House of Delegates, announced that she has joined the crowded race to fill Virginia’s vacant 11th District congressional seat, following the recent death of incumbent Gerry Connolly.

As with the seven other Democrats vying for Connolly’s seat, Shin gave the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the government as her inspiration for her to entering the race.

“We’re living through a moment in history that will have generational consequences for our democracy and our nation,” Shin said Tuesday, in a post on her campaign website . “While Trump is in office dismembering and defunding our government, Democrats are sticking to the script and running the same old tired plays. I’m running because this moment demands real change. Either we elect people willing to fight like our democracy depends on it, or we resign ourselves to letting fascists win. I’m not resigning myself to that, and I don’t think the voters in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District are either.”

A nonprofit executive director who lives in Herndon, Shin was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2021, representing the old 86th District before redistricting went into effect.

In 2023, Shin was reelected in the new 8th District, which includes the Town of Herndon, Oak Hill and Franklin Farm.

During her four years in the Virginia legislature, Shin passed Malcolm’s Law, requiring hospitals to test for fentanyl during drug screenings and legislation making pregnancy a qualifying life event, so people can obtain health insurance when they most need it.

The daughter of Korean immigrants, Shin grew up without health insurance, which was something her family couldn’t afford. After failing to navigate the healthcare system in the U.S., her father had to fly back to Korea to receive treatment after becoming seriously ill.

Also See:

• National Security Expert, Ex-CIA Operations Officer Enters 11th District Race
• 2 More Democrats Enter 11th District Congressional Race
• 11th District Voters Will Cast Ballots In Special Election To Fill Congressional Seat
• Choosing Connolly's Successor In Congress: What To Know
• VA Congressman To Retire As Cancer Returns Following Treatment

Shin joins seven other Democrats and one Republican who have already announced their intentions to run in the Sept. 7 special election .

Democrats

• Joshua Aisen
• Planning Commissioner Candice Bennett (D-At-Large)
• Leo Martínez
• Amy Papanu
• State Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D-Centreville)
• Amy Roma
• Del. Irene Shin (D-Herndon)
• Supervisor James Walkinshaw (D-Braddock)

Republican

• Republican Michael Van Meter

The race to fill Connolly's seat began in April when the congressman announced that he would not seek reelection in 2026 due to health concerns. Last November, Connolly revealed that he'd been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and was receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment.

On May 21, Connolly's family announced that he died at the age of 75.

Democrats To Hold Firehouse Primary To Choose Candidate

The 11th District Congressional District Democratic Committee hosting Firehouse Primary on Saturday, June 28, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. to choose the Democratic nominee to fill the vacant congressional seat. The committee has also scheduled an early voting day on Thursday, June 26, 3-8 p.m.

Additional early voting opportunities are being considered, with dates and locations currently under consideration, with both Election Day and early voting locations being finalized.

“The 11th District Committee is working very hard to make this primary a robust process that is inclusive and accessible, with a broad distribution of voting locations on caucus day,” said Manisha Singh, committee chair. “We have a variety of excellent candidates, and I look forward to hearing more from each of them. We will unite behind the eventual Democratic nominee and ensure strong, continued representation for the 11th District — as we have relied on since 2009.”

The candidate filing will open on Wednesday, June 11, at noon and will close on Wednesday, June 18 at 5 p.m.

Filing requirements and updates regarding the caucus process will be available at www.VA11Votes.com .

Also See:

• Fairfax County Supervisor To Run For Connolly's Seat In Congress
• 2nd Democrat Announces Bid To Seek Connolly's Seat In Congress
• Fairfax Leaders Endorse Democrat In Race To Succeed Connolly
• GOP Candidate Running For Connolly's Congressional Seat In 11th District Race

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The article Democrat Irene Shin Joins Crowded 11th District Congressional Race appeared first on Herndon Single Sparkle .