By Naman Trivedi

Copyright timesnownews

Democrat James Walkinshaw has won the special election in Virginia’s deep-blue 11th Congressional District, filling the seat left vacant by the death of Rep. Gerry Connolly in May. His victory was widely expected but its implications for President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda and influence in Congress may be more significant than the race itself. Walkinshaw, a former chief of staff to Connolly and current Fairfax County Supervisor, will become the 213th Democrat in the House once sworn in. Republicans currently hold 219 seats, with three still vacant. That razor-thin margin now leaves House Speaker Mike Johnson able to lose only two GOP votes on key legislation, just one if Democrats win the upcoming special elections in Arizona and Texas, both seen as likely Democratic pickups. A Blow to Trump’s Influence in Congress Walkinshaw’s arrival could complicate efforts by pro-Trump Republicans to push legislation, block investigations, or avoid bipartisan deals. With only a handful of votes separating the two parties, moderate Republicans may find themselves increasingly empowered to negotiate with Democrats, especially on contentious issues like government funding and federal workforce protections. During his campaign, Walkinshaw leaned heavily into opposing Trump’s policies, particularly his cuts to the federal workforce. Northern Virginia, home to a large number of federal employees, has been on edge during Trump’s recent rhetoric targeting civil servants. Trump Ally Defeated in Quiet Race Walkinshaw defeated Republican Stewart Whitson, a former FBI agent and lobbyist for a conservative think tank aligned with Trump’s agenda. Whitson emerged from a crowded Republican primary by touting his support for Trump and even testified before Congress earlier this year in favor of expanding the Department of Government Efficiency, once led by Elon Musk. However, the race failed to draw national attention or funding, and Whitson did not hold major campaign events in the final weeks, according to local reports. A Tighter Path for Republicans As Congress prepares for a looming government funding showdown later this month, Walkinshaw’s win shifts the balance in subtle but important ways. Democrats are expected to win at least two more seats in upcoming special elections, reducing the Republican buffer to a single vote. If even one Republican breaks ranks on spending or other high-stakes votes, Trump-aligned members of Congress may lose leverage, and bipartisan cooperation could become a necessity rather than a choice. Another special election is scheduled for September 23 in Arizona to replace Rep. Raúl Grijalva, and one in Texas will follow in November for the late Rep. Sylvester Turner. If Democrats win both, the House split would move to 215 Democrats and 219 Republicans, with one seat remaining unfilled until December. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.