The election will be held on Sept. 9. Candidates have until July 11 to file the paperwork to run for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. Per Virginia law, the governor must issue a writ of election to fill a vacancy in the House. There was, however, no mandated timeline for Youngkin to do so.
Connolly, 75, died in May following a resurgence of cancer. His death came just weeks after he announced he would not seek reelection in the 2026 midterm elections. He is one of three House Democrats who have died while in office this year.
The 11th District is a solidly blue district in the northern Virginia suburbs. The race is expected to draw a crowded primary on both sides of the aisle. Connolly held the seat for over a decade.
GREG ABBOTT SCHEDULES TEXAS SPECIAL ELECTION AFTER DEMOCRATS THREATEN LAWSUIT
Former Democratic Texas Rep. Sylvester Turner died in March. Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) called a special election for Nov. 4, to the dismay of some Democrats who wished to fill the solidly blue district earlier. Texas law does not specify a timeline for governors to call a special election to fill a House vacancy.
Former Democratic Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva also died in March. Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) set a primary date for July 15 and the special election for Sept. 23, per Arizona law.
