With the “Firehouse Primary” Coming Up Soon (6/28), Here Are the VA11 Democratic Candidates’ Positions on Some Major Issues

With a week until the VA11 Democratic “firehouse primary,” where do the candidates (who qualified for the ballot) stand on the major issues? See below for what I’ve found so far; l’ll update this as I get additional information (if there’s a question mark, it mostly means it wasn’t easy to find anything easily – on their website or whatever, but I’ll keep looking/asking). I may also add other issues, time permitting…but hey, it’s a start! LOL

Climate/Environment/Energy

• Candice Bennett: “The climate crisis is real, and its impacts—like flooding, extreme heat, and air pollution—are already being felt here in Northern Virginia. I will fight for bold federal investment in clean energy, flood mitigation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. I support rejoining the Paris Agreement, ending subsidies for fossil fuel companies, and protecting natural resources like the Chesapeake Bay. Our environment and our economy go hand in hand—we must protect both—especially for our young people and their future.”
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “Climate change is here and accelerating. Every day, scientists warn us about the compounding effects of rising global temperatures on our ecological ecosystems, wildlife, agriculture, infrastructure, and energy. This is not the time for half-measures. Investing in initiatives to tackle climate change is essential so that future generations can live sustainably. I support comprehensive transitions to clean, renewable energy and bold investments in workforce development and training opportunities to create the clean energy economy of tomorrow. Environmental justice must be at the center of our fight against climate change and efforts to preserve our planet…”
• Leo Martinez: Says he supports/pledges to vote for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s H.Res.319, “Recognizing the Duty of the Federal Government to Create a Green New Deal.” Although he also says “I will review it closely and may
  propose common-sense amendments to reflect recent developments or improve its chances of passage
  by building broader support in the House.”
• Amy Papanu: ?
• Stella Pekarsky: “Stella knows that the most existential threat to our generation and those beyond is climate change. The natural disasters caused by increasingly devastating weather events have cost the U.S. more than $450 billion. Stella is committed to protecting the environment, investing in renewable energy, and ensuring a livable planet for generations to come.”
• Priya Punnoose: “Climate change is a public health issue. We’re already seeing rising rates of asthma, heat-related illness, and mental health stress due to climate-related displacement and disaster. We need to reduce emissions and to build climate-resilient communities…Priya supports investing in clean energy and green jobs, bringing innovation and opportunity right here to Virginia. America should be driving the global race toward a sustainable future.”
• Amy Roma: “I’ll work to restore and expand the clean energy tax credits being gutted under Trump’s agenda. These credits support American manufacturing, reduce emissions, and help deploy the next generation of energy systems—faster and cheaper.”
• Irene Shin: “Our inaction on the climate crisis threatens our collective future while costing Americans billions of dollars per year.”
• James Walkinshaw: “In Congress, James will support bold federal investments in clean energy innovation, energy efficiency, and electrification. He’ll also fight to strengthen protections for clean air and water and accelerate restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.”

Cryptocurrency/Blockchain

• Candice Bennett: ?
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “I support advancing American innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, blockchain, biotechnology, and additive manufacturing (3D printing).”
• Leo Martinez: ?
• Amy Papanu: ?
• Stella Pekarsky: ?
• Priya Punnoose: ?
• Amy Roma: “Push for targeted federal investment in sectors critical to U.S. competitiveness—advanced fission and fusion, AI, quantum, and FinTech—including responsible crypto innovation.”
• Irene Shin: Argues that “America must not fall behind on the development of crypto and blockchain technology, and we cannot afford to cede our advantage to Russia, Europe, or China. Securities laws dated back to 1933 do not meet the moment or the market and we must work to build regulatory frameworks that protect consumers and prepare our economy for the 21st century.” Supports “a fair regulatory model for crypto and digital assets that decentralizes power and increases the opportunity for marginalized groups to invest.”
• James Walkinshaw: According to Axios, “The special election in Virginia to replaced the late Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) is getting $1 million worth of attention via broadcast TV ads, courtesy of the crypto PAC Protect Progress….Protect Progress will use its funds to support Democratic candidate James Walkinshaw, the former chief of staff for Connolly.”

Defending Democracy

• Candice Bennett: “Our democracy is fragile—and Trump’s actions have exposed just how vulnerable it is to abuse. I’m the first candidate in this race to release a comprehensive anti-corruption platform, including: Repealing the Insurrection Act; Restricting federalization of the National Guard; Passing the No Kings Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act; Banning congressional stock trading; Implementing ranked choice voting in Democratic primaries”
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “I support protecting and empowering our Federal Workforce. This means defending jobs, agencies, and the federal institutions that have stood the test of time and uphold our democracy. Our government is not faceless bureaucracy. It is powered by the people.”
• Leo Martinez: “No one understands the stakes more than Leo. As a former Congressman in Venezuela, he stood up to authoritarianism and risked everything to defend democratic values. He’s lived through what happens when institutions fail – and he won’t let it happen here.”
• Amy Papanu: “There is just the erosion of our democratic institutions right now, and the attacks against the free press, and it’s on multiple levels that the Trump administration is denigrating our democracy. And so it’s dismantling our federal agencies, and all of this is weakening our government and our country’s security. So it is trending in that direction. And that’s why people need to stand up and just look at what’s planned for tomorrow with the parade. It is atrocious and there’s so many things wrong with it – it’s very dictatoresque…what we’ve seen in rogue nations and those are the kind of rogue nations that I used to fight against in my career in the past.”
• Stella Pekarsky: “As the daughter of working class Greek immigrants and the wife of a Jewish refugee from the former Soviet Union, Stella knows first hand the fragility of democracy. She knows that right now we are in a critical moment to defend our democracy from MAGA extremists who are undermining and obstructing the core tenets that our country was built on. Existential threats to our democracy have no place in our society and Stella will continue her fight in Congress.”
• Priya Punnoose: “Priya knows that gutting federal departments weakens our democracy and strips our government of decades of institutional knowledge. This is a direct threat to public trust and national security. This isn’t just bad policy. It’s sabotage of the very institutions that uphold our rights and services and the values of America.”
• Amy Roma: “Trump’s plan to fire tens of thousands of career civil servants, dismantle agency independence, and replace rule of law with personal loyalty is not just dangerous—it’s disqualifying. I’ve spent 20 years working in agency law and regulatory practice. I know how our government functions, where it breaks down, and how it can be rebuilt to work for the people—not against them. Democracy only works if our institutions do. I’m running to protect both.”
• Irene Shin: Supports “Re-establishing the separation of powers so that the people’s will is heard throughout all branches of our government; Reinstating and protecting the federal workers who uphold and serve our country; Banning members of Congress from trading stocks and establishing term limits for leaders, especially Supreme Court justices. We must reform a broken system to ensure that elected officials are accountable to their communities, not lobbyists, corporations, billionaires, or their egos; Dismantling the Electoral College, which undercuts the principle of one American, one vote; Ending gerrymandering”
• James Walkinshaw: “I’m running for Congress now because we’re in a five-alarm fire moment for our democracy…I would absolutely continue Gerry’s legacy and work of fighting Republicans tooth and nail when they’re going after our values, when they’re going after the institutions that hold our country together, when they’re going after our democracy.”

Education

• Candice Bennett: “A strong public education system is the foundation of opportunity. I am the product of a public school education, my parents were teachers, and many other family members were teachers. I support fully funding our public schools, raising teacher pay, expanding access to early childhood education, and making college and career training more affordable—including student debt relief. I will also fight to keep the federal loan-forgiveness program strong for those who serve the government and our civic institutions. Our children’s futures shouldn’t depend on their ZIP code.”
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “Public education is under attack, and our children are paying the price. The Trump Administration continues to unjustly and illegally threaten to cut the U.S. Department of Education…Every child deserves access to a high-quality public education, no matter their zip code. I support increasing funding for public schools, raising teacher pay, and investing in robust after-school programs that address the needs of all students, and mental health services. Our future is bright, and I will fight to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
• Leo Martinez: Says he supports/pledges to vote for Rep. Pramiya Jayapal’s “College for All Act of 2023″ (if that bill or something equivalent comes up again) ” as well as Del. Ilhan Omar’s “Student Debt Cancellation Act of 2019” (ditto) and Rep. Frederica Wilson’s “Student Loan Borrowers’ Bill of Rights Act of 2019” (ditto). On each of these, he adds, “I will review it closely and may propose common-sense amendments to reflect recent developments or improve its chances of passage by building broader support in the House. “
• Amy Papanu: ?
• Stella Pekarsky: “Stella believes that education is the foundation of opportunity. Her frustration with the state’s unacceptable funding for public education and teachers’ salaries and the lack of urgency to remedy these issues led her to launch a primary challenge to one of the most senior members of the Virginia Senate.”
• Priya Punnoose: “We can teach for the future, not the past, by reimagining our education goals in the age of AI and global innovation. Expanding equitable access to education, whether through advanced academic programs or vocational training, aligns students’ skills with their dreams.”
• Amy Roma: “No child should be denied a quality education because of where they live or what they need. I’ll fight to fully fund public schools, repair the damage being done to the Department of Education, and deliver on the promise of IDEA for students with disabilities.”
• Irene Shin: Back in early May, wrote: “I’m so proud to have the support of Virginia Education Association! I’ve always championed policies to support our educators, from raising teacher pay to protecting their right to collectively bargain. The 8th District is home to 2500+ teachers, and I’ll always have their backs”
• James Walkinshaw: “In Congress, James will fight to protect the Department of Education, fully fund IDEA and Title I, and increase support for military-connected students through the federal Impact Aid program.”

Gun Violence Prevention

• Candice Bennett: “Mass shootings are not normal—and they are not inevitable. I support universal background checks, a federal assault weapons ban, safe storage laws, and red flag laws to keep guns out of dangerous hands. This is about common sense, not partisanship. Our communities and children deserve to live without fear.”
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “We need commonsense gun reform that prioritizes the safety of our communities and schools while acknowledging responsible gun ownership. I support universal background checks to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals, domestic abusers, and those who pose a danger to themselves or others. I also support banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and closing loopholes that enable purchase without proper screening. Families, children, and communities deserve to be safe in our neighborhoods, schools, places of worship, businesses, and homes…”
• Leo Martinez: Has pledged to vote for Rep. David Cicilline’s “Assault Weapons Ban of 2023″ (if something equivalent or similar to that comes up again), adding ” I will review it closely and may propose common-sense amendments to reflect recent developments or improve its chances of passage by building broader support in the House.”
• Amy Papanu: On her website, pledges to “stop gun violence.”
• Stella Pekarsky: “Gun violence is a public health crisis that affects communities across the nation. Students should not have to live every day in fear of an attack on their schools. Stella is committed to implementing common-sense gun safety measures to protect families and ensure safer communities.” “With the NRA headquartered right here in #VA11, I’ll always stand up to the gun lobby and fight to protect the lives of our kids.”
• Priya Punnoose: ?
• Amy Roma: “No family should live in fear at school, the grocery store, or their place of worship. I’ll support universal background checks, red flag laws, and bans on weapons of war to keep our communities safe.”
• Irene Shin: Advocates for “Getting dangerous guns out of our community by banning assault weapons, holding gun companies accountable for their role in the facilitation of crimes, and whatever it takes to stop our kids from dying. “
• James Walkinshaw: “As the parent of a four-year-old who has already experienced a preschool lockdown, James knows we must do more to prevent gun violence. In Congress, he will support legislation to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, close the Charleston loophole, require background checks on all gun sales, and oppose federal concealed carry mandates that override state protections.”

Healthcare

• Candice Bennett: “”I’ll champion sustained, increased federal investment in vaccines, biomedical research, public health infrastructure, and disease prevention efforts, ensuring science—not politics—guides our national response.” “Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are not “entitlements”—they are earned benefits and critical lifelines. Like many people in the 11th District, my mother’s care and livelihood depend on Medicaid. I will oppose any efforts to privatize or cut these programs. Instead, I will work to strengthen and expand them to meet the needs of a growing and aging population, as well as individuals with disabilities and low-income families who rely on these safety nets.”
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “Healthcare is a fundamental human right”; “Pass Medicare for All which will expand healthcare coverage to all Americans with affordable, high-quality care.””
• Leo Martinez: “Leo believes that every American deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare – no matter their income, age, or background…Healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury for the wealthy elite. It’s a promise – and Leo will make sure we keep it.” Also, says he supports Rep. Pramiya Jayapal’s Medicare for All Act.
• Amy Papanu: ” I am going to Congress to protect Social Security and Medicare, strengthen the middle class and defend reproductive rights.”
• Stella Pekarsky: “As a mother with medically complex children, Stella knows firsthand the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare. Too many families are making the choice between affording groceries or paying a medical bill or having the ability to fill a prescription. She is committed to lowering costs and expanding access to life-saving care.”
• Priya Punnoose: “As a psychiatrist who has treated children, adolescents, and adults, Priya knows first-hand that Medicare and Medicaid are the backbone of care for millions…Throughout her career, Priya has always believed that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. She believes we must move toward universal healthcare and fight for lower prescription drug prices so no one has to choose between medicine and rent.”
• Amy Roma: “I’ll fight to protect Medicaid, SNAP, and disability programs from deep cuts. These supports aren’t optional—they’re foundational for millions of Americans, including here in Northern Virginia.”
• Irene Shin: “Investigate the healthcare and drug companies monopolizing their services and denying care, which leads to higher costs and worse outcomes for everyday people. I support Medicare for All to ensure Americans have access to high-quality healthcare.”
• James Walkinshaw: “mes believes that health care is a human right—not a privilege reserved for the wealthy or well-connected… In Congress, James will support legislation to lower prescription drug prices, expand access to primary and mental health care, and protect and strengthen the Affordable Care Act. He’ll oppose cuts to NIH, Planned Parenthood, and life-saving research. He will fight for investments in maternal health, push for universal paid family and medical leave, and defend Medicaid and Medicare from Republican attempts to cut them.”

Immigration

• Candice Bennett: “We need an immigration system that is fair, humane, and rooted in reality. That means creating a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and long-time undocumented residents, protecting asylum rights, and modernizing legal immigration. We must also end inhumane enforcement practices and invest in a functioning, compassionate system that reflects our values.”
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “We are a nation built by immigrants – and I will always fight to protect our immigrant communities… Trump is ripping away their protected status and telling them they have to leave. This is not only cruel, but deeply un-American.”
• Leo Martinez: “Leo will fight for a fair, humane immigration reform – one that secures our borders without demonizing people, keeps families together, and honors the dignity of every person who calls this country home. America is stronger because of its immigrants, not in spite of them.”
• Amy Papanu: ” I’m outraged by what’s going on in California. Obviously, I don’t condone violent protests. But just how the administration has been handling it is totally inappropriate and extreme.”
• Stella Pekarsky: “Coming from a working-class immigrant family, Senator Pekarsky believes that immigrants are vital to the fabric of our nation. She is committed to protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees and ensuring a fair and humane immigration system.”
• Priya Punnoose: ?
• Amy Roma: “No one should live in fear or be dehumanized for seeking a better life—immigrants and refugees enrich our communities and deserve dignity, due process, and a fair path to opportunity.”
• Irene Shin: Supports “Stopping ICE deportations and demanding due process and justice for our community.” “ICE agents in masks & unmarked clothes/vehicles are out here illegally disappearing people off the streets in a BLATANT DISPLAY OF CONTEMPT FOR THE RULE OF LAW.”
• James Walkinshaw: “In Congress, James will support comprehensive immigration reform that creates a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, protects Dreamers, and secures family reunification. He will oppose efforts to criminalize asylum seekers, fight back against xenophobic rhetoric and policies, and support improvements to legal immigration processes to reduce backlogs and make our system more humane, efficient, and fair.”

Iran

• Candice Bennett: ?
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “…with the Iran situation right now, between them and Israel, we are on a path to World War III right now. And that has got to stop. I know that the US has come out saying that they had no involvement in Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but the US needs to step in and prevent World War III from happening. And if don’t do anything as the most powerful nation in the world, we still let Israel do its thing, I am very worried for not just the future, I’m very worried for what’s going to happen in months ahead.”
• Leo Martinez: “The Constitution is clear: only Congress can declare war. I fully support the War Powers Resolution by
  Sen. Tim Kaine to block unauthorized military action against Iran.”
• Amy Papanu: “Specifically on the Iran-Israel front, it’s I think restraint and diplomacy. This could drastically, this conflict could drastically get worse, and so they need to use diplomacy and scale things back, because there’s already so many conflicts in the region, and this would add to that instability across the region. So diplomacy is key…. I was supportive [of the JCPOA] at the time of the agreement and now I’m just not sure if it makes sense, if it’s even feasible to continue that or not.”
• Stella Pekarsky: ?
• Priya Punnoose: ?
• Amy Roma: ?
• Irene Shin: “As a candidate for Congress, I fully support Sen Tim Kaine’s resolution to prevent unauthorized war with Iran. Congress must reclaim its constitutional power in matters of war. If I were elected, I’d be right there voting to stop another endless, unnecessary war.”
• James Walkinshaw: “A nuclear-armed Iran is an existential threat not just to Israel, but to the United States and to the entire world. I also believe that especially now, the United States should be working to deescalate the situation and return to the negotiating table. And the purpose of that negotiation must be a commitment by the Iranian regime to dismantle their nuclear weapons program and to agree to a very robust inspections regime to ensure that they don’t restart that process.”

Israel/Gaza

• Candice Bennett: ?
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “I am a friend of the Israeli people, but friends need to be honest and hold each other accountable. My stance is clear— a ceasefire is long overdue. I support blocking further military aid to Israel to focus on saving lives and delivering humanitarian support. We cannot stand idly by while military aid is tied to violence against women, children, elders, and families in Gaza. Day after day, we are seeing mass casualties and starvation, and Israel is violating international human rights law by blocking the delivery of aid into Gaza.”
• Leo Martinez: Says he supports/pledges to vote for Rep. Betty McCollum’s “Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act,” adding “I will review it closely and may propose common-sense amendments to reflect recent developments or improve its chances of passage by building broader support in the House.”
• Amy Papanu: ?
• Stella Pekarsky: ?
• Priya Punnoose: ?
• Amy Roma: ?
• Irene Shin: ?
• James Walkinshaw: ?

Labor/Federal Workers

• Candice Bennett: “I will fight to protect pay, pensions, and job security for federal workers, and ensure contractors receive fair treatment and timely compensation. That includes opposing government shutdowns, securing strong labor protections, and increasing whistleblower safeguards. I will sign onto the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act. In Northern Virginia, this isn’t abstract—it’s personal.”
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “Raise the federal minimum wage to $25/hour. Fund job training through our local schools and community colleges. Expand small business support with grants, mentorship, and fair lending. Use federal investment to grow clean energy, cybersecurity, and care economy jobs.”
• Leo Martinez: Has pledged to vote for Rep. Bobby Scott’s “Raise the Wage Act”; as well as Rep. Scott’s “Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act” (in each case, he adds, “I will review it closely and may propose common-sense amendments to reflect recent developments or improve its chances of passage by building broader support in the House. “)
• Amy Papanu: “…as the daughter of a union electrician who grew up in a working class family, I will support unions and help strengthen the middle class.”
• Stella Pekarsky: “Stella is a steadfast champion for workers, advocating for fair pay, strong unions, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to show up to their place of work with dignity. Stella will continue to advocate for bringing high paying jobs with protections here in Virginia, and ensuring that people have the tools they need to be successful in their roles.”
• Priya Punnoose: ?
• Amy Roma: ?
• Irene Shin: Supports “Passing the PRO Act, repealing the right to work nationwide, and supporting the creation of strong PLAs will protect unions and the right to organize; Regulate the gig economy, raise the federal minimum wage, and advocate for workplace safety regulations.”
• James Walkinshaw: ” I introduced and got passed a prevailing wage ordinance so workers on county contracts get fair wages and good benefits and safe work sites and training opportunities. I pushed through the first local government Project Labor Agreement in Virginia history, and the project is under construction as we as we speak.”

LGBTQ Equality

• Candice Bennett: ?
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “Everyone deserves to live with dignity and respect, regardless of the color of your skin, who you love, how you worship, or where you come from. I support strengthening our voting rights, civil protections, LGBTQ+ rights, fighting for equal pay and opportunity for all in every workplace and institution.”
• Leo Martinez: “LGBTQ rights is a very close and important issue to me. I mean, my oldest son Leo is gay and he’s lived with his partner together for the past few years – he’s a Cambodian immigrant and a Latino immigrant, two fine people. So you know, I’ve been connected to that movement even even before that. You know, I was one of the first people in law school in Venezuela that talked about LGBTQ rights back in the days in Venezuela, so that takes you a long time ago, when I was in law school 30 years ago in Venezuela. So those are issues that are important to me, because as I said civil rights and human rights has always been at the core of my advocacy and my work.”
• Amy Papanu: ?
• Stella Pekarsky: “The Youngkin Administration’s Transgender Model Policies send a cruel message to some of our most vulnerable children…As a parent, my heart breaks that anyone could target kids that are already dealing with so much in their young lives. They deserve love & acceptance.”
• Priya Punnoose: ?
• Amy Roma: ?
• Irene Shin: Says “we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. We will continue to fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and work toward building a diverse and inclusive Commonwealth so that members of the community feel safe and protected!”
• James Walkinshaw: “James believes every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity…In Congress, James will support legislation to expand federal non-discrimination protections, add sexual orientation and gender identity to the Fair Housing Act, and require colleges and universities to strengthen anti-harassment programs and Title IX enforcement.”

Reproductive Freedom

• Candice Bennett: “Every person deserves the freedom to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions—without interference from politicians. I support codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law, protecting access to birth control, and fighting back against attempts to criminalize abortion or impose nationwide bans. Reproductive freedom is fundamental to equality.”
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “Reproductive healthcare IS healthcare. And the decision to have an abortion lies between a woman and her doctor. Period.” “Limits on safe, effective, and approved abortion medications on the market, like Mifepristone, must be lifted. I support codifying abortion rights into federal law. I also support repealing the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funds from being used to cover abortion care, inherently denying healthcare to low-income families.”
• Leo Martinez: Has pledged to support Rep. Barbara Lee’s “EACH Act” (To ensure affordable abortion coverage and care for every person),” adding that “I will review it closely and may propose common-sense amendments to reflect recent developments or improve its chances of passage by building broader support in the House. “
• Amy Papanu: ” I am going to Congress to protect Social Security and Medicare, strengthen the middle class and defend reproductive rights.”
• Stella Pekarsky: “Stella will always vote to support a woman’s right to choose and to have autonomy over their bodies… Stella was a Co-sponsor SJ 247 that would enshrine a woman’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom. Stella will fight to enshrine a woman’s right to reproductive freedom into federal law.”
• Priya Punnoose: “Priya will be an advocate for reproductive health rights, including access to contraception, abortion, and prenatal care. She knows we must tackle the maternal mortality crisis, especially for Black and Brown women.”
• Amy Roma: “No one should have their personal health care decisions dictated by politicians. I’ll fight to protect access to safe, legal abortion, contraception, and comprehensive reproductive health care.”
• Irene Shin: She “sponsored a bill that would require health insurance companies to provide contraception and contraception devices without copayment.” Also “is a member of the Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council, a network of state legislators championing reproductive rights.”
• James Walkinshaw: “James believes that access to comprehensive reproductive health care—including contraception, IVF, abortion, prenatal care, and cancer screenings—is a fundamental right.”

Tyson’s Casino

• Candice Bennett: ?
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: ?
• Leo Martinez: ?
• Amy Papanu: ?
• Stella Pekarsky: “Fairfax County voters are one step closer to deciding whether to bring a gaming and entertainment complex to Tysons Corner after the Virginia Senate approved legislation on Tuesday…Sen. Stella Pekarsky, D-Fairfax, supported the legislation, warning that without new funding sources, Fairfax County could face cuts to essential services.”
• Priya Punnoose: ?
• Amy Roma: ?
• Irene Shin: Believes in “Soliciting community input around development, including opposing unpopular projects like the Tysons Casino initiative.”
• James Walkinshaw: “… told his colleagues that even if the general assembly passed the bill, he was skeptical Fairfax County voters would approve the referendum.”

Ukraine

• Candice Bennett: ?
• Ross Branstetter: ?
• Dan Lee: “Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign nation, has resulted in the deadliest war in Europe since World War II. The Trump Administration’s alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin severely threatens our relationships with NATO, as well as our European and global allies, and global security. I stand firmly with the people of Ukraine.”
• Leo Martinez: ?
• Amy Papanu: “I was on the Hill when Russia invaded Ukraine, and I was proud of the intelligence community at the time, because it was a great example of collection and analysis that predicted, and we shared with our partners on this invasion so people were not blindsided….it was nice to see back then the bipartisan support for Ukraine. And it is alarming now that unfortunately the Republicans are not as supportive.”
• Stella Pekarsky: ?
• Priya Punnoose: ?
• Amy Roma: ?
• Irene Shin: ?
• James Walkinshaw: “Ukraine’s fight is our fight. James believes that if the United States fails to stop Putin in Kyiv, we invite further aggression around the world. He will stand firmly with the Ukrainian people until they achieve victory—and a lasting peace on their terms.”