Planning commissioner announces congressional campaign
Candace Bennett, a member of the Fairfax County Planning Commission, announced plans to run for Congress to succeed Rep. Gerry Connolly in the 11th District.
Bennett is the third candidate to launch a campaign so far, following state Sen. Stella Pekarsky and Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw.
Bennett, a resident of Lorton, is the deputy executive director of Good Shepherd Housing, a nonprofit that provides affordable housing and support services to low-income residents of Fairfax County.
She served on Virginia’s Fair Housing Board for six years beginning in 2017. She currently owns a market research firm, Candice Bennett & Associates Inc., which focuses on strategic communications strategies for politicians and corporations. She also sells custom quilts and other textile creations under the name Shutdown Sewing.
“We need a representative who is prepared from day one to fight back against the attacks on our democracy, our Constitution, and our way of life,” Bennett said in her campaign announcement. “That’s why I’m stepping up – to bring a fresh perspective rooted in real-world experience, and to make sure the concerns of every resident in the 11th District are heard loud and clear in Washington.”
Related story: State Sen. Pekarsky announces run for Congress
“I’ve spent over 20 years working to strengthen our community – creating opportunities, expanding affordable housing, and standing up for working families. Now, with our democracy, rights, and economic security under attack, I’m stepping up to deliver bold, principled leadership in Washington,” she said.
Her priorities include protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid; ensuring the freedom to make personal healthcare decisions without government interference; affordable housing; good-paying jobs; support for federal employees and veterans; clean air and water; and safe schools.
“My mission is simple: to make government work better, to make your life better,” Bennett said.
Rep. Connolly is not running for re-election due to health reasons. All congressional seats will be on the ballot in the 2026 midterms.
Related story: Supervisor Walkinshaw is running for Congress
