U.S. House, Virginia - 11th District
Washington suburbs -- parts of Fairfax and Prince William counties
Race Forecast: Democrat Favored
2008: Keith Fimian (R) vs. Gerald Connolly (D)
2006:
Davis’ retirement after seven terms and a Democratic surge in the northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., have created a big opening for Democrat Gerry Connolly, the chairman of the board of supervisors in Fairfax County, where two-thirds of district voters live. Republican Keith Fimian, the founder of a home inspection company, is a well-funded political newcomer who has had to fend off Democratic attacks that he’s too socially conservative for the district.
Race Information
- Incumbent: Gerald E. Connolly, D
- First Elected: 2008 (1st term)
- Last Elected: (%)
- Incumbent Status: Running for re-election
- Race Forecast: Democrat Favored
District Information
Politics in America District Profile
Anchored in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., the 11th is home to a well-educated, professional and upper-income workforce that boasts the nation’s highest median income (more than $80,000). Like other nearby suburban areas, the 11th has become more racially and ethnically diverse: It has the largest Asian population (11 percent of residents) in Virginia, as well as a robust Hispanic population.
Two-thirds of the population lives in Fairfax County (shared with the 8th and 10th districts). The balance lives in Prince William County, a burgeoning area south and west of Fairfax, or in Fairfax city, a separate jurisdiction within Fairfax County. Many residents work in Washington, either for the federal government or for private companies linked to the government. Technology contributes to local economic growth, and Fairfax County’s office parks are home to dozens of firms. The technology-sector growth — and related traffic woes — have made telecommuting an increasingly attractive option for area workers.
Tailor-made for a centrist Republican, the 11th tends to lean left on social issues, although Prince William County is generally more conservative, and to lean right on fiscal issues. But traffic congestion is so rampant that many residents are willing to accept tax increases to pay for transportation improvements.
The 11th’s growth has made it highly competitive and politically indecisive. George W. Bush carried Fairfax County and city in the 2000 presidential race, but lost to Democrat John Kerry in 2004. Similarly, Prince William County favored Democratic gubernatorial nominee Tim Kaine in 2005, after supporting Republican Mark Earley in 2001.
Major Industry
Government, technology, service
Cities
Burke (unincorporated), 57,737; Dale City (unincorporated), 55,971; Annandale (unincorporated) (pt.), 51,350
Notable
Fairfax County has a larger population than seven states: Montana, Delaware, South Dakota, North Dakota, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming.
- Demographics (2000 census)
- Population: 643,509
- Under 18: 27%
- Over 65: 8%
- Married: 62.1%
- Non-Hispanic White: 67%
- Black: 10%
- Hispanic: 9%
- Asian: 11%
- Foreign Born: 19.0%
- Language other than English: 24.3%
- Median Household Income: 80,397
- Owner Occupied Housing: 77%
- Income above $200k: 5.9
- Workforce/Education (2000 census)
- White Collar: 76.5%
- Blue Collar: 11.8%
- Services: 11.7%
- Bachelor's Degree: 49%
- Graduate Education: 21.3%
- Civilian Veterans: 74,653
| Year | Election | Candidate | Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | general | Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly (D) | 154,186 | 53% |
| Keith S. Fimian (R) | 129,986 | 44.7% | ||
| Joseph P. Oddo (IGREEN) | 6,168 | 2.1% | ||
| 2006 | general | Thomas Davis (R) | 130,468 | 55.4% |
| Andrew Hurst (D) | 102,511 | 43.6% | ||
| Ferdinando Greco (IGREEN) | 2,042 | 0.9% | ||
| 2004 | general | Thomas Davis (R) | 186,299 | 60.2% |
| Ken Longmyer (D) | 118,305 | 38.3% | ||
| Joseph Oddo (I) | 4,338 | 1.4% | ||
| 2002 | general | Thomas Davis (R) | 135,379 | 82.9% |
| Frank Creel (CNSTP) | 26,892 | 16.5% | ||
| Year | Democrat | Republican | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | John Kerry: 49% | George W. Bush: 50% | |
| 2000 | Al Gore: 45% | George W. Bush: 52% |
Campaign Finance Details for the 2008 Race
| Filers | Through | Total Receipts | Total Disbursements | Total From PACs | Total From Individuals | Ending Cash | Debts Owed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAVIS, THOMAS M III (R) | September 30, 2008 | $1,523,739.00 | $1,920,301.00 | $13,000.00 | $966,392.00 | $2,932.00 | $22,375.00 |
| LONGMYER, KENNETH (D) | June 30, 2007 | $432.00 | |||||
| HURST, ANDREW LAWRENCE (D) | December 31, 2006 | ||||||
| HUNT, STEPHEN MICHAEL (R) | February 13, 2008 | ||||||
| CONNOLLY, GERRY (D) | November 24, 2008 | $1,994,577.00 | $1,957,483.00 | $99,500.00 | $1,341,848.00 | $37,094.00 | |
| ALEXANDER, LORI P (D) | July 15, 2008 | $15,962.00 | $15,942.00 | $8,526.00 | $19.00 | $125.00 | |
| DENNENY, DOUGLAS JAMES (D) | June 30, 2008 | $124,012.00 | $124,011.00 | $109,299.00 | |||
| BYRNE, LESLIE L (D) | September 30, 2008 | $698,252.00 | $507,433.00 | $2,300.00 | $609,569.00 | $190,817.00 | |
| FIMIAN, KEITH S (R) | November 24, 2008 | $2,009,599.00 | $1,992,431.00 | $34,300.00 | $1,513,628.00 | $17,167.00 | $325,000.00 |
