James Walenshaw Sworn into Congress, Represents Virginia's 11th District

Swearing-In Ceremony

• 🇺🇸 Speaker Mike Johnson administered the oath of office to the new representative from Virginia, James Walenshaw, on the House floor.
• 📜 Walenshaw's certificate of election had not yet arrived, but due to no contest or objections, he was permitted to be sworn in.

Introduction and Background

• 🎤 The dean of the Virginia Congressional delegation introduced Walenshaw, highlighting his roots in Northern Virginia.
• 🎓 Walenshaw graduated from New York University with a degree in politics and has a background in local community involvement and campaign management.
• 💼 He previously served as chief of staff for Congressman Jerry Connelly for over a decade, gaining significant experience in Congress.
• 🏛️ In 2019, he was elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, representing the Braddock District.

Walenshaw's Address and Priorities

• 🙏 Walenshaw expressed profound gratitude and humility, acknowledging his wife Evette and son Matteo.
• 🤝 He stated his intention to follow the principled leadership of his mentor, Congressman Jerry Connelly.
• ⚠️ He spoke about the economic challenges facing his community, attributing job losses to policies from the White House and Congress, including "Doge cuts, the tariffs, the budget bill, or our failure to address the rising costs on everything from groceries to rent to prescription drugs."
• 🎯 Walenshaw emphasized that the people of Virginia want pragmatic solutions and a government that works for everyone, focusing on the high cost of living, housing, healthcare, and climate change.
• 🗣️ He pledged to carry the hopes and voices of his constituents into Congress daily, working for a government that reflects the best of who they are.