Jun 24, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Dead congressman promotes candidate for his seat on social media

Andrew Solender

Rep. Gerry Connolly, wearing a gray suit and speaking into a microphone while seated at a marble table in front of a brown wooden wall. — Rep. Gerry Connolly speaks at a House Oversight Committee hearing at the U.S. Capitol on March 5. Photo: Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images

Deceased Rep. Gerry Connolly's (D-Va.) social media accounts shocked the internet Tuesday by seemingly resurrecting the congressman to endorse his former chief of staff, James Walkinshaw, to fill his seat.

Why it matters: Connolly endorsed Walkinshaw before he died in May, but his name has been used repeatedly in the campaign since his death to promote his would-be successor.

That includes fundraising emails sent from Connolly's congressional campaign promoting Walkinshaw and linking to his ActBlue page.
Connolly's congressional campaign website now displays a photo of the two men, along with Connolly's letter endorsing Walkinshaw before his death.

Driving the news: Connolly's political accounts on X and Facebook sent out posts Tuesday stating, "Early voting starts TODAY in VA-11" and noting that Connolly endorsed Walkinshaw.

"Let's honor that legacy and vote for bold leadership that'll fight for us every day," the post on X said, linking to Walkinshaw's website and including the same photo found on Connolly's website.

Zoom out: Walkinshaw is one of 10 Democrats running in the June 28th primary to succeed Connolly.

In addition to Connolly, Walkinshaw has the overwhelming support of the Virginia Democratic political establishment, including Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), former Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) and dozens of state legislators.
The only poll of the race — an internal survey released by Walkinshaw's campaign — shows him heavily favored at 41%, with 8% for state Sen. Stella Pekarsky and 6% for state Del. Irene Shin.

Yes, but: Connolly's endorsement was disregarded Tuesday by his fellow House Democrats when it came to selecting his successor as ranking member of the Oversight Committee.

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), a well-liked 47-year-old member of Democratic leadership, was elected in a landslide over Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Va.), the 70-year-old who Connolly tapped to follow him.

The intrigue: This isn't even the first time this year a dead House Democrat's social media has unexpectedly come alive.

Deceased Rep. Sylvester Turner's (D-Texas) account on X began following fellow members of Congress and reporters despite him passing away the month before.

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Dead congressman promotes candidate for his seat on social media

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