Local Democrats who are seeking to replace the late Rep. Gerry Connolly yesterday (Wednesday) sought to differentiate themselves from a crowded race by outlining their plans to represent Virginia’s eleventh Congressional District if they were elected.
Nine of the ten candidates for the Democratic nomination were present at the only forum held by the Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods in advance of Saturday’s primary.
Participants included Fairfax County Planning Commission Candice Bennett; health entrepreneur Dan Lee; former Venezuelan Congressman Leo Martinez; former CIA employee Amy Papanu. Also, Stella Pekarsky of the state Senate, Priya Punnoose (child psychiatrist), Amy Roma, a state delegate. Irene Shin, and Braddock district supervisor James Walkinshaw.
None of the topics included our schools, boys in girls bathrooms, boys in girls sports, or diversity, equity and inclusion as their topics to speak on. They didn’t speak to the rapes or the title 9 investigations of the three boys in Loudoun County.
Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites
Only a few days after Trump launched strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities each Democratic candidate agreed that the action escalated Israel‘s conflict in the Middle East.
Three of the four candidates called the strikes illegal. Many of the candidates were frustrated that diplomatic efforts weren’t made.
Dan Lee stated that “when there are issues, we must engage and create dialogue with these individuals because failing to do so puts us at risk – not only from a strategic military point of views, but also from an economic perspective.”
Both Papanu & Pekarsky said that government leaders should concentrate on domestic issues. They emphasized that actions abroad don’t help to improve the cost of living issues that many Americans face.
Papanu stated that when Americans struggle to feed their families and pay for the cost of living at home, they do not want to see their tax dollars go to wars or long-term conflicts.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine
Irene Shin is the first candidate who has openly discussed the violence that continues in Gaza. She expressed concern about the lack of action by American officials to resolve the conflict.
Shin stated that “America has absconded its authority and moral obligation in this regard.” Shin said: “I believe that right now, it is essential for American leaders be willing to ask for and call for ceasefire.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 56,077 deaths have occurred since Israel began to bombard the area as a response to a Hamas attack on Israeli towns in 2023, which resulted in 1,200 dead people and 251 taken hostage.
The Associated Press reported that Israel killed 5,759 Palestinians since it violated a two-month truce on March 18. This includes at least 44 people who were seeking help when Israeli forces opened up fire on Tuesday, June 24.
Leo Martinez, when asked about the war by a member in the audience, said that he would “re-embark on a policy which doesn’t take sides but facilitates solutions.”
Martinez stated that “the two-state resolution is a goal.” We have observed, with great regret, how everything has deviated us from this solution. “We have to… protect civilians, protect populations, and protect people caught in the middle this conflict.”
Walkinshaw was asked about this topic by a member of the audience. He said that a ceasefire needed to be implemented “yesterday”, and humanitarian aid must flow into the region. He did not address, however, whether or not he was going to seek an embargo against sending arms into Israel.
A small group of protestors calling for an arms embargo on the Middle East is organized outside the #VA11 Forum.
Walkinshaw is told by the people in the community centre: “James your voters want a arms embargo!” pic.twitter.com/9UP0EaauPN
Jared Serre 25th June 2025 HTML0
Since the beginning of the Israel-Gaza conflict, activists have appeared in Board of Supervisors’ meetings to urge county leaders to support the ceasefire and divest Israel of its assets, which, they claim, is committing genocide. supports this description.
YouTube has a recording of the entire Democratic candidate forum.
Early voting has begun for the Democratic candidate. Voters are able to visit the Fairfax County Government Center today until 8 pm and tomorrow from 3-8 pm.
Voters can vote between 7 am and 7 pm at 17 polling places in the county. More information can be found online by visiting the 11th District Democratic Committee.
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