James
Walkinshaw

James Walkinshaw has championed clean energy and climate-smart infrastructure as a Fairfax County Board member, chief of staff to a pro-environment and pro-democracy congressional champion, and in the U.S. House of Representatives since his special election in 2025.

A lifelong Virginian, Walkinshaw earned his bachelor’s degree from New York University before returning home to win election to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. As a boardmember, he served as Chairman of the Environmental Committee and led the county’s efforts to eliminate climate pollution by 2050, impose fees on single-use plastic bags, and launch a comprehensive Zero Waste initiative. Walkinshaw went on to serve on the Virginia Association of Counties Board and the Transportation Planning Board, before serving as chief of staff to the late Congressman Gerry Connolly. He led Connolly’s office for over a decade, winning major legislative successes by securing investments in Virginia’s clean energy sector, healthcare coverage, and transportation infrastructure.

As a representative, Walkinshaw is working to bring down energy costs by developing guardrails for data centers, investing in a modernized grid, and advocating for clean energy projects that reduce emissions, create jobs, and lower costs for all Virginians. He has thus far earned a 100% score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard.

Walkinshaw was elected to the U.S. House in a special election in November 2025 to fill the seat of the late Representative Gerry Connolly, who earned a 97% lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard.

“Now more than ever, we must stand shoulder to shoulder in our shared mission to confront the climate crisis, grow clean energy jobs, reduce energy costs, and secure a healthier, more sustainable future for every family.” – LCVAF Press Release