A majority of the funds that propelled Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw to victory in the Democratic primary for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District came from his dead boss’s campaign account, not funds he raised organically, a Washington Examiner review of campaign finance records found.
Walkinshaw was chief of staff to the late Democratic Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly from 2009 to 2019. Connolly endorsed Walkinshaw’s bid to replace him in Congress shortly before dying of esophageal cancer in May. In early June, most of Conolly’s remaining campaign funds, $1.8 million, were transferred to Fight for Virginia’s Future, a super PAC backing Walkinshaw. After receiving that infusion of cash, the pro-Walkinshaw PAC spent over $1.7 million boosting his candidacy. Walkinshaw raised just $768,674 in donations and only spent $535,053.
Using the windfall of funds from Conolly, Walkinshaw massively outspent the competition.
Stella Pekarsky, a state senator who challenged Walkinshaw for the Democratic nomination, had just under $550,000, counting her campaign account and the super PAC supporting her, behind her effort. Irene Shin, another state lawmaker who ran in the Democratic primary for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, had just $342,000 behind her bid.
Walkinshaw received additional support, approximately a million dollars, from a super PAC backed by the cryptocurrency industry. He ultimately had over three times more cash behind his campaign than his two biggest competitors combined.
Walkinshaw’s financial advantage translated to a comfortable victory. He secured 59.7% of the vote, and Pekarsky and Shin received 13.4% and 14.3%, respectively.
Per Federal Election Commission rules, the remaining funds in Connolly’s account could have been donated to charity. John Jennison, who is friendly with Walkinshaw according to social media posts, was in charge of Connolly’s remaining funds at the time of the transfer.
Walkinshaw caught flak online after Connolly’s social media account and email address were used to boost his campaign. Connolly’s campaign sent emails to supporters on June 5, long after the congressman had died, soliciting campaign contributions for Walkinshaw.
“Beyond unethical,” one Democratic operative posted in response.
PRO-ISRAEL BILLIONAIRES SPENT OVER $1.5 MILLION IN 38 DAYS TO OUST THOMAS MASSIE
Connolly’s X account also posted a reminder for its followers to vote early for Walkinshaw. The post was received negatively by some social media users and was removed from Connolly’s page.
The Walkinshaw campaign did not respond to a request for comment.