Overview

• Connolly’s X account published on June 24 a message urging early voters in Virginia’s 11th district to back James Walkinshaw, his former chief of staff and pre-death pick.
• Walkinshaw is the frontrunner in a nine-candidate Democratic primary set for June 28, carrying endorsements from Rep. Don Beyer, former Rep. Jennifer Wexton and other state lawmakers.
• Observers condemned the June 24 post as “necro-posting,” branding it unethical and grotesque for exploiting a deceased representative’s platform.
• Following Connolly’s passing on May 21, his social profiles were updated to note that all posts are made with the consent of his family.
• The VA-11 succession contest has highlighted intra-party divisions over age and leadership, with candidates like Irene Shin and Stella Pekarsky challenging Walkinshaw’s establishment support.