Latest news with #Walkinshaw
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Industry's PAC Keeps Seeking to Add Allies as Congress Hashes Out Crypto Legislation
The crypto industry's political-finance arm, the towering campaign-funding entity known as Fairshake, dropped another $1 million into the coffers of a special-election candidate hoping to replace a Virginia Democrat who died in office, Representative Gerald Connolly. The candidate favored by the industry's chief political action committee, James Walkinshaw, won the Democrats' so-called firehouse primary over the weekend, in which the party conducted its own polling to determine its chosen candidate among a field of nine. The general election to formally select the Fairfax County region's next member of Congress is set for Sept. 9, though the Democrat incumbent took about two thirds of the vote in the regular election last year, giving Walkinshaw a heavy advantage. "We look forward to James joining the growing, bipartisan coalition in Congress that understands the importance of securing America's leadership in the next generation of technology," said Josh Vlasto, a Fairshake spokesman, in a statement. He argued that the race again demonstrated that the electorate isn't moved by critics who attempt to tarnish candidates who show support for the sector and are backed by its campaign resources, as at least one of Walkinshaw's opponents sought to do. Fairshake (and its affiliate super PACs, Defend American Jobs and Protect Progress) rose into prominence in the 2024 congressional elections as it amassed a huge war chest from major digital assets businesses, including Coinbase, Ripple and a16z. It devoted its campaign spending in outsized chunks that in some cases dwarfed what was spent by the opponents of the group's chosen candidates. As a result, Fairshake added a long list of winners to the ranks of Congress' crypto supporters in those elections, but it has continued its strategy in special elections as one-off contests seek to fill vacated seats such as Connolly's. In the case of Walkinshaw, Connolly's former chief of staff, the spending came from Protect Progress, which focuses on Democrat candidates. While his former boss had voted routinely against crypto issues, Walkinshaw's campaign site says the candidate favors an "embrace of the next generation of technology," including blockchain, which the campaign said "can reduce administrative costs for businesses and lower fees for consumers." "Congress should establish modern, risk-based regulatory frameworks that support responsible innovation and prevent abuse," according to Walkinshaw's website. The super PAC still has about $116 million on hand as the 2026 congressional election cycle approaches next year, Vlasto said. Current members of Congress it supported in the past round are already at work on major crypto bills that have been advancing this year. Fairshake makes massive "independent expenditures" in political races, meaning their outside money buys advertising without approval or communication from the candidate. Though it represents crypto interests, the advertising purchased by the group almost never mentions the topic of digital assets, instead focusing on whatever political points are most likely to garner a win.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
James Walkinshaw wins Democratic contest to likely replace US Rep. Connolly in northern Virginia
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — Democrats and Republicans chose candidates in northern Virginia on Saturday who will vie to replace the late U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Democrat who served the congressional district in the Washington suburbs for 16 years. Democrats chose James Walkinshaw, who currently serves on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors — which oversees the local budget and policies. Republicans picked Stewart Whitson, an Army veteran and former FBI agent. The candidates will compete in a special election on Sept. 9 to represent Virginia's 11th Congressional District, which is home to more than 700,000 people and includes Fairfax, Reston and Vienna. Political observers have said that the district's Democratic primary likely will determine Connolly's successor in what has become a reliably Democratic district. Connolly, who most recently held a prominent position as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, died last month after battling esophageal cancer. The 75-year-old's death left House Republicans with a 220-212 majority in Congress. The so-called 'firehouse primaries' for the special election were run by the political parties, not local governments or the Virginia Department of Elections, according to Fairfax County's website. Walkinshaw, who previously served as Connolly's chief of staff for more than a decade, was viewed as the frontrunner leading up to the Democratic primary. He had received Connolly's endorsement before the congressman passed away. Walkinshaw bested 9 other candidates for the Democratic nomination. 'I'm honored and humbled to have earned the Democratic nomination for the district I've spent my career serving,' Walkinshaw said in a written statement posted to X on Saturday. 'This victory was powered by neighbors, volunteers and supporters who believe in protecting our democracy, defending our freedoms, and delivering for working families.' The Republican nominee, meanwhile, said in a statement that it was 'time to fight' to flip the seat. 'With President Trump back in office he's taking bold and aggressive action to get the country back on track,' Whitson said. 'But he needs strong allies in Congress who will help him fix the economy, protect our families, and restore common sense.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
3 days ago
- Politics
James Walkinshaw wins Democratic contest to likely replace US Rep. Connolly in northern Virginia
FAIRFAX, Va. -- Democrats and Republicans chose candidates in northern Virginia on Saturday who will vie to replace the late U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Democrat who served the congressional district in the Washington suburbs for 16 years. Democrats chose James Walkinshaw, who currently serves on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors — which oversees the local budget and policies. Republicans picked Stewart Whitson, an Army veteran and former FBI agent. The candidates will compete in a special election on Sept. 9 to represent Virginia's 11th Congressional District, which is home to more than 700,000 people and includes Fairfax, Reston and Vienna. Political observers have said that the district's Democratic primary likely will determine Connolly's successor in what has become a reliably Democratic district. Connolly, who most recently held a prominent position as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, died last month after battling esophageal cancer. The 75-year-old's death left House Republicans with a 220-212 majority in Congress. The so-called 'firehouse primaries' for the special election were run by the political parties, not local governments or the Virginia Department of Elections, according to Fairfax County's website. Walkinshaw, who previously served as Connolly's chief of staff for more than a decade, was viewed as the frontrunner leading up to the Democratic primary. He had received Connolly's endorsement before the congressman passed away. Walkinshaw bested 9 other candidates for the Democratic nomination. 'I'm honored and humbled to have earned the Democratic nomination for the district I've spent my career serving," Walkinshaw said in a written statement posted to X on Saturday. "This victory was powered by neighbors, volunteers and supporters who believe in protecting our democracy, defending our freedoms, and delivering for working families.' The Republican nominee, meanwhile, said in a statement that it was 'time to fight' to flip the seat. 'With President Trump back in office he's taking bold and aggressive action to get the country back on track,' Whitson said. 'But he needs strong allies in Congress who will help him fix the economy, protect our families, and restore common sense.'
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
James Walkinshaw wins Democratic contest to likely replace US Rep. Connolly in northern Virginia
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — Democrats and Republicans chose candidates in northern Virginia on Saturday who will vie to replace the late U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Democrat who served the congressional district in the Washington suburbs for 16 years. Democrats chose James Walkinshaw, who currently serves on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors — which oversees the local budget and policies. Republicans picked Stewart Whitson, an Army veteran and former FBI agent. The candidates will compete in a special election on Sept. 9 to represent Virginia's 11th Congressional District, which is home to more than 700,000 people and includes Fairfax, Reston and Vienna. Political observers have said that the district's Democratic primary likely will determine Connolly's successor in what has become a reliably Democratic district. Connolly, who most recently held a prominent position as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, died last month after battling esophageal cancer. The 75-year-old's death left House Republicans with a 220-212 majority in Congress. The so-called 'firehouse primaries' for the special election were run by the political parties, not local governments or the Virginia Department of Elections, according to Fairfax County's website. Walkinshaw, who previously served as Connolly's chief of staff for more than a decade, was viewed as the frontrunner leading up to the Democratic primary. He had received Connolly's endorsement before the congressman passed away. Walkinshaw bested 9 other candidates for the Democratic nomination. 'I'm honored and humbled to have earned the Democratic nomination for the district I've spent my career serving," Walkinshaw said in a written statement posted to X on Saturday. "This victory was powered by neighbors, volunteers and supporters who believe in protecting our democracy, defending our freedoms, and delivering for working families.' The Republican nominee, meanwhile, said in a statement that it was 'time to fight' to flip the seat. 'With President Trump back in office he's taking bold and aggressive action to get the country back on track,' Whitson said. 'But he needs strong allies in Congress who will help him fix the economy, protect our families, and restore common sense.'
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
James Walkinshaw wins Democratic contest to likely replace US Rep. Connolly in northern Virginia
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — Democrats and Republicans chose candidates in northern Virginia on Saturday who will vie to replace the late U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Democrat who served the congressional district in the Washington suburbs for 16 years. Democrats chose James Walkinshaw, who currently serves on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors — which oversees the local budget and policies. Republicans picked Stewart Whitson, an Army veteran and former FBI agent. The candidates will compete in a special election on Sept. 9 to represent Virginia's 11th Congressional District, which is home to more than 700,000 people and includes Fairfax, Reston and Vienna. Political observers have said that the district's Democratic primary likely will determine Connolly's successor in what has become a reliably Democratic district. Connolly, who most recently held a prominent position as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, died last month after battling esophageal cancer. The 75-year-old's death left House Republicans with a 220-212 majority in Congress. The so-called 'firehouse primaries' for the special election were run by the political parties, not local governments or the Virginia Department of Elections, according to Fairfax County's website. Walkinshaw, who previously served as Connolly's chief of staff for more than a decade, was viewed as the frontrunner leading up to the Democratic primary. He had received Connolly's endorsement before the congressman passed away. Walkinshaw bested 9 other candidates for the Democratic nomination. 'I'm honored and humbled to have earned the Democratic nomination for the district I've spent my career serving,' Walkinshaw said in a written statement posted to X on Saturday. 'This victory was powered by neighbors, volunteers and supporters who believe in protecting our democracy, defending our freedoms, and delivering for working families.' The Republican nominee, meanwhile, said in a statement that it was 'time to fight' to flip the seat. 'With President Trump back in office he's taking bold and aggressive action to get the country back on track,' Whitson said. 'But he needs strong allies in Congress who will help him fix the economy, protect our families, and restore common sense.'
