See below for press releases and videos from two new VA11 Democratic candidates, Leopoldo “Leo” Martinez and Amy Roma. They join James Walkinshaw, Stella Pekarsky, Candice Bennett and Joshua Aisen in the growing field. Now, we’re waiting for Glenn Youngkin to set the date of the special election, then for VA11 Democrats to announce the time and manner of selecting a nominee to succeed the great Gerry Connolly, who was just buried yesterday, in this deep-blue district. May the best candidate win!
Leo Martinez: “I’m a Democrat running for Congress in #VA11 to defend and protect the American values that brought my family to this great nation and to expand opportunities for working families in #FairfaxCounty.”
My name is Leo Martinez. I’m a Democrat running for Congress in #VA11 to defend and protect the American values that brought my family to this great nation and to expand opportunities for working families in #FairfaxCounty.
Visit https://t.co/iZQ8pITJ9i and join our movement! pic.twitter.com/Pz7bd8OSoA
— LeoMartinezForCongress (@LeoForCongress) May 29, 2025
Amy Roma: “I’m running for Congress. As a policy expert, lawyer, and proven problem-solver, I’ve spent my career tackling tough challenges—and delivering real results. Now, I’m ready to fight for our future in Washington. Let’s get to work.”
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UPDATE 9:28 am – Here’s Leo Martinez’s announcement
Virginia Latino Leader Leo Martínez Announces Congressional Bid in Virginia’s 11th District
Martínez, the only Hispanic candidate in the race, vows to protect our democracy and create opportunities for working families.
FAIRFAX, VA.- Today, international lawyer, former Venezuelan Congressman, longtime Virginia Latino leader, and Democrat Leo Martínez officially launched his campaign for U.S. Congress in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. Martínez, an immigrant from Venezuela, has been a longtime resident of Northern Virginia raising his family in Fairfax County, and serving the community that welcomed him.
“I came to this country after defending democracy in Venezuela and facing political persecution simply for standing up for what’s right,” said Martínez. “Now I’m running for Congress because those same values are under attack here at home. Donald Trump, Elon Musk and MAGA Republicans are threatening our freedoms, targeting immigrants and federal workers, enabling corruption, and trying to roll back our fundamental rights. I have the experience of fighting people like this before, and I won’t back down now.”
A former member of Venezuela’s National Assembly, Martínez fled political persecution after forcefully standing up to Hugo Chavez’s authoritarianism. Now, he’s running for Congress to stand up for his community and ensure the values that brought him to the U.S. — democracy and opportunity — endure for the next generation.
“As a Latino immigrant, I know what it means to start all over again, and I’ll bring that lived experience to the fight for working families in Congress,” Martínez continued. “VA-11 is one of the most diverse districts in the country. We deserve a representative who reflects that diversity and delivers for every community. We need a leader who won’t flinch, someone who’ll fight for democracy, good-paying jobs, healthcare, affordable housing, and real support for our veterans. And I’m ready for that fight.”
Over the past two decades, Martínez has built a career rooted in service. From launching nonprofits dedicated to democracy and human rights, to uplifting underrepresented communities, and more recently serving as Senior Counselor at the U.S. Department of Commerce, appointed by President Joe Biden. In Virginia, he served as a member of the Virginia’s Small Business Commission under Governor Northam and Governor McAuliffe, helping shape policies to support Virginia small businesses, and on the board of the University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors, where he fought to expand access to education for minorities.
Martínez’s vision is centered around defending democracy, expanding opportunity, and delivering for Northern Virginia’s working families. He knows what’s at stake when institutions fail, and he’s ready to fight back against the attacks we’re seeing today. In Washington, he’ll work to protect free elections in the U.S. and abroad, lower living costs, support federal workers, defend immigrant communities, and ensure Fairfax County families have access to affordable education, healthcare and housing.
Watch the launch video here: https://x.com/LeoForCongress/status/1928066187222544445
Learn more about Leo Martínez at https://www.leomartinezforcongress.com/
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