Trump Ally and Communist Survivor Enters Race for Late Democrat's Seat

Karina Lipsman, a survivor of Soviet communism and current advocate for victims of authoritarian regimes, has officially entered the race to fill Virginia’s 11th Congressional District seat, left vacant following the passing of longtime Representative Gerry Connolly. Lipsman, who fled the former USSR as a child, described her journey to the United States as a pursuit of the “American dream”—one that began with her family’s escape from oppressive government control and continued with her upbringing by a single mother in low-income housing in Baltimore.

“We ran from socialism and toward the American dream. We came here because America stood for freedom, hard work and the chance to build something better,” Lipsman said, emphasizing the stark contrast between the world she left behind and the opportunities she found in the U.S. “We didn’t speak English when we arrived. But I worked hard, kept my head down and earned every step to get to where I am today. I became a citizen at 18. I put myself through undergrad and grad school.”

Lipsman is currently employed at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, dedicating her efforts to educating others about the dangers of authoritarianism. In her campaign launch, she expressed concerns about the direction of the United States, claiming that recent trends reminded her of the circumstances her family fled. “We have had an expanding government, a shrinking middle class and a growing dependence on the state. We’ve been sliding away from what made this country great,” she asserted. Lipsman praised former President Donald Trump as a “disruptor” fighting against what she described as a complacent political status quo, but added, “he needs more allies because the political class is too focused on fame, clicks and climbing ladders.”

Lipsman becomes the latest candidate in a rapidly growing field competing for the seat representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District—an area that encompasses much of Northern Virginia’s suburbs and has consistently voted Democratic in recent cycles. Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced that the special election to replace Connolly will take place on September 9.

Rep. Gerry Connolly, who passed away in late May after a battle with esophageal cancer, had represented the district since 2009 and was well known for his influence in the region. He had previously stated he would not seek re-election due to health concerns. The seat was last held by a Republican, Tom Davis, over a decade ago; however, in recent years it has become a Democratic stronghold, with the Cook Political Index rating it D+18. Connolly defeated Republican challengers by margins exceeding 30 points in each of the past three elections.

This marks Lipsman’s second campaign for Congress. She previously ran in neighboring Virginia’s 8th District, facing off against incumbent Democrat Don Beyer. Despite her loss, Lipsman believes her background and work ethic resonate with voters’ desire for substantive representation. “We need leaders who put their heads down and do the hard work to fix what’s broken,” she said, positioning herself as an antidote to partisan gridlock and political grandstanding.

The Democratic primary field for the 11th District is already crowded, featuring notable names like Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw, whom Connolly endorsed prior to his passing, and state legislators Stella Pekarsky and Irene Shin. Additional candidates include Leopoldo Nucete, a former counselor for the Minority Business Development Agency, Navy veteran Joshua Aisen, and local official Candice Bennett.

Lipsman joins fellow Republicans Mike Van Meter—who challenged Connolly in 2024—and at least one other GOP contender. As the special election approaches, the race is shaping up to be a significant contest for both parties, despite the district’s recent Democratic tilt. For Lipsman, the campaign offers a platform to spotlight her personal story and argue for a return to the principles she says drew her family to America: freedom, hard work, and self-reliance.