FAIRFAX, VA — Stewart Whitson running for Congress because Northern Virginia families deserve a representative who shares their values and actually listens.
“As a husband and father of five I understand the challenges families face here: rising costs, failing schools, and growing safety concerns,” he said. “I’ve spent my life defending the Constitution and protecting Americans on the battlefield and now I’m stepping up to serve again, but this time to protect our children’s future.”
On June 28, Whitson won the Republican Party’s canvass to determine who would represent the party in the Sept. 9 special election. He faces Democrat James Walkinshaw, who won the Democratic Party’s firehouse primary, in the race to see who will succeed U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly and represent Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.
Early voting for the special election to fill Connolly’s seat begins on Friday, July 25.
Patch recently invited Walkinshaw and Whitson to complete a candidate questionnaire, in order to help voters decide which candidate best matches their political beliefs. Walkinshaw’s responses can be found here. The following are Whitson’s responses.
Name
Stewart Whitson
Age (as of Election Day)
45
Campaign Website
Have you been endorsed by a recognized political party? If so, which one?
The Republican Party
Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.
My wife, Melissa, and I are proud parents to five school-aged children.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you’re running for.
No
Education
Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree from the George Washington University, and a certificate in Strategic Management from Georgetown.
Occupation
I currently serve as the Senior Director of Federal Affairs for one of the nation’s premier conservative think tanks leading a team tasked with advancing policies through Congress that improve the lives of Americans.
Previous or current elected or appointed political office(s) held
I have not previously held an elected political office, but I am a U.S. Army Combat Veteran and former FBI Special Agent.
Why are you seeking elective office?
I’m running for Congress because Northern Virginia families deserve a representative who shares their values and actually listens. As a husband and father of five I understand the challenges families face here: rising costs, failing schools, and growing safety concerns. I’ve spent my life defending the Constitution and protecting Americans on the battlefield and now I’m stepping up to serve again, but this time to protect our children’s future.
The single most pressing issue facing voters is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
Affordability. While the Left sounds the alarm over so-called “threats to democracy,” families in Virginia are feeling real pain over their grocery bills. At kitchen tables across our district, the real crisis is the cost of living. In Congress, I’ll focus on what matters to working families: cutting taxes, ending reckless spending, and making sure Virginians can actually afford to live, work, and raise a family here.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I’m a veteran and public servant who’s spent my life defending this country. My opponent is a career political staffer who’s voted to raise your taxes, give himself a 45% pay raise, and push radical policies that put politics over parents and criminals over public safety. I’ll fight for working families, defend fairness in women’s sports, and restore common sense. He’s more focused on scoring points against President Trump than solving the real problems families in Fairfax face every day.
What impact have President Trump’s policies had on Virginia and the 11th District in particular? How will you respond to those policies if you are elected?
President Trump’s policies help Virginians by securing the border and making our communities safer, lowering taxes, and boosting the economy. Under his leadership, families have more opportunities and safer communities. I will support his policies that restore strength: protecting our border, fighting inflation, and putting American workers and families first.
Describe the issues that define your campaign platform.
My campaign is focused on the families within our district and the issues that matter to them: affordability, education, and public safety. I’ll stand up for families, promote public safety, ensure transparency in schools, protect girls’ sports, and protect parental rights.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I served our country as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer in Iraq, spent a decade protecting Americans from national security threats from abroad an an FBI Special Agent, and helped root our corruption at the national level as a nationally-recognized policy expert. I’ve led under pressure, defended freedom, and always put mission over politics. I’ll bring the same commitment to serving the people of Virginia’s 11th District.
The best advice ever shared with me was:
In life, there are only two things we can fully control: our attitude and our effort. And it is these two things that have the biggest impact on our success.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I’m not a politician and I think that’s a strength. I’m a husband, dad, a veteran and a fighter for my country and those I love. I believe our best days are still ahead but only if we reject the radical policies driving us off course. I’ll always put the best interest of Virginia’s families first.
