See below for a press release from the James Walkinshaw for VA11 campaign. And remember, Walkinshaw’s Republican opponent is a MAGA fanatic all the way, actually said “ I trust everything [Trump]’s done” and “I cannot think of a single thing I disagree with with the president” – including DOGE’s decimation of the federal workforce. So in this race, the choice really couldn’t be starker – make sure you vote early or on 9/9 for James Walkinshaw to fill the seat left vacant by the death of the late, great Gerry Connolly, who Walkinshaw served as Chief of Staff for a decade…and who strongly endorsed Walkinshaw to succeed him, because he trusted Walkinshaw to do a great job, hit the ground running, etc.
Walkinshaw Hosts Roundtable with Fired Fairfax Federal Workers, Lays Out Agenda to Fight Job Cuts
Fairfax, VA – Today, Fairfax County Supervisor and Democratic nominee for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, James Walkinshaw (D-Braddock), hosted a roundtable with fired federal employees and contractors who call Fairfax home and were indiscriminately fired by the Trump Administration.
Participants included young professionals just starting their public service careers and veteran civil servants nearing retirement—all of whom have lost their livelihood due to the DOGE effort to destroy the non-partisan civil service.
“These stories were emotional, raw, and deeply moving,” said Supervisor Walkinshaw. “I learned a lot from hearing their stories and am committed to continuing to engage with federal workers and contractors impacted by the reckless actions of the Trump Administration.”
Fairfax Families Feeling the Impact
Fairfax, which is home to over 80,000 federal workers, is now facing its highest unemployment rate since mid-2021. The loss of federal jobs has disrupted planned retirements, strained local services, and left countless families in limbo. Meanwhile, Virginia’s drop in national business rankings reflects the broader instability caused by these politically motivated DOGE cuts.
“Behind every statistic is a Fairfax family thrown into uncertainty by costly, unnecessary firings,” continued Supervisor Walkinshaw. “These aren’t just numbers—they’re public servants who have dedicated their lives and talents to serving our nation.”
Voices from the Front Lines
“I am thankful that James took the time to speak to those of us from the public sector that have been terminated due to this Administration’s drastic cuts to our work,” said Kourtney P. of Fairfax. “I have spent more than 25 years as a USAID implementing partner in the international democracy sector. Not only is this devastating to us as workers and what it means for the services that we can provide to Americans, but this is having a harmful and negative impact on America’s reputation abroad. Thank you, James, for convening us, committing to the issue, advocating for us and defending our democracy.”
Standing with Fairfax Families
“Hearing from these workers helps to make the stakes in this election crystal clear. My Republican opponent — Stewart Whitson — wants to make DOGE permanent and double down on the damage it’s causing our community. His day job with the Trump-supporting Foundation for Government Accountability is to help destroy the jobs of our friends and neighbors.
Fairfax deserves a representative who stands by them. That’s why my agenda includes cosponsoring and introducing legislation to defund DOGE, rehire illegally fired probationary employees, and require Congressional approval of federal agency downsizing.” concluded Supervisor Walkinshaw.
View pictures of the roundtable here.
Learn more and join the campaign at: jameswalkinshaw.org.
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James Walkinshaw has devoted his career to ensuring that Northern Virginia remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. He served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Gerry Connolly for more than a decade, stood up to the Trump Administration on the Board of Supervisors, and now he’s running for Congress to stop Trump’s dangerous agenda and deliver for Fairfax.
