See below for video from a few minutes ago, as new Congressman James Walkinshaw (D-VA11) was introduced by the dean of the Virginia US House delegation and sworn in, then delivered his first speech to the US House as a member. Also, see below for a transcript of Rep. Walkinshaw’s first speech, in which he pledged to stand up for his district against the damage Trump/DOGE/etc. are doing, and to have his mentor Gerry Connolly’s “legacy… guide me every day.” It was very telling to hear Republicans boo Rep. Walkinshaw for stating the plain truth about the damage Trump is doing to VA11 and to the country, as well as the urgent need for the country to change course. The good news is that Rep. Walkinshaw won’t let Republicans’ booing stop him; more likely, it will provide even MORE motivation for him to fight like hell for Fairfax, just as Gerry Connolly did for so many years. Congratulations and good luck, Congressman Walkinshaw – and great to have you this seat filled, finally!
P.S. Happy and relieved to see that Speaker Johnson didn’t stall the swearing in, given that this shrinks his narrow majority by one seat.
“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise with profound gratitude and humility as I begin my service on behalf of Virginia’s 11th district. As a lifelong Northern Virginian, I am honored by the trust my community has placed in me. I am deeply grateful to my wife, Evette, and our son, Mateo, whose love and patience sustain me – and this moment belongs to them as uch as it does to me. I’m also honored to follow in the footsteps of my dear friend and mentor, Congressman Gerry Connolly. a singular figure in Virginia and in this body who showed us what principled leadership looks like. His legacy will guide me every day.
With that gratitude, Mr. Speaker, comes responsibility to speak honestly about the challenges my community faces. In Virginia, we are on the leading edge of President Trump’s economy. In my district, everyone knows someone who has lost their job due to the agenda coming from the White House. and too often from this chamber. If we do not change course, what is true in Northern Virginia today will soon be true in every district in this nation. Families everywhere will know someone who has lost their job because of the DOGE cuts, the tariffs, the budget bill, or our failure to address the rising costs on everything from groceries to rent to prescription drugs.
But this week, Mr. Speaker, the people of Virginia sent a clear message. They want pragmatic solutions. They want a government that works for everyone. They want us to tackle the high cost of living, housing, and healthcare, to confront climate change, to honor the public servants, our federal employees who keep our government running.
Mr. Speaker, I am humbled by the trust my constituents have placed in me. I will carry their hopes and voices into this chamber every day. I will never forget where I came from. And I’ll never stop working for a government that reflects the best of who we are. Together, Mr. Speaker, I believe we can build that future. Thank you and I yield back.”
