Candice Bennett

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Candice Bennett
Image of Candice Bennett

Education

High school

Friendswood High School

Bachelor's

The George Washington University, 1998

Graduate

The George Washington University, 2003

Personal
Birthplace
Texas
Religion
Quaker
Profession
Nonprofit executive
Contact

Candice Bennett (Democratic Party) ran in a special election to the U.S. House to represent Virginia's 11th Congressional District. She did not appear on the ballot for the special general election on September 9, 2025.

Bennett completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Candice Bennett was born in Texas. She graduated from Friendswood High School. She earned a bachelor's and graduate degree from George Washington University in 1998 and 2003, respectively. Her career experience includes working as a nonprofit executive and small business owner.[1]

Elections

2026

See also: Virginia's 11th Congressional District election, 2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House Virginia District 11

The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House Virginia District 11 on November 3, 2026.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

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2025

See also: Virginia's 11th Congressional District special election, 2025

General election

Special general election for U.S. House Virginia District 11

James Walkinshaw defeated Stewart Whitson in the special general election for U.S. House Virginia District 11 on September 9, 2025.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of James Walkinshaw
James Walkinshaw (D)
 
74.8
 
109,172
Image of Stewart Whitson
Stewart Whitson (R)
 
25.0
 
36,530
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.2
 
269

Total votes: 145,971
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Bennett in this election.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

has not yet completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

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Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Candice Bennett campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2025* U.S. House Virginia District 11Withdrew general$37,520 $37,325
Grand total$37,520 $37,325
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Candice Bennett completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bennett's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I’m Candice Bennett, and I’m running for Congress in Virginia’s 11th District because our community deserves bold, ethical, and effective leadership that puts people first.

I’m a Fairfax County Planning Commissioner, Deputy Executive Director at Good Shepherd Housing, small business owner, housing advocate, and former member of the Virginia Fair Housing Board. I bring real-world experience in both public service and policy—rooted in over two decades of living and working in Northern Virginia.

As a planning commissioner and housing leader, I’ve helped deliver results on everything from land use to affordable housing. I’ve managed federal grants, stood up for civil servants and contractors, and fought to make government work better for working people.

I’m the spouse of a federal employee and veteran, and a caregiver to my mother—so I understand the stakes of government policy at the kitchen-table level. I know what it means to serve, to advocate, and to show up for our community every day.

I’m running because we need a representative who doesn’t just understand the district, but who knows how to get things done—someone who will fight for federal workers, protect Social Security and Medicare, and stand up to extremism in both parties. I’m not here for soundbites. I’m here to serve.
  • I’ll fight for the people who make government work. As the spouse of a federal employee and veteran, and as someone who has managed federal programs, I know firsthand how essential civil servants and contractors are to our country. I’ll defend their rights to due process, protect their pensions, and stand up to any attempt to politicize or dismantle the federal workforce. The constant threats of shutdowns, retribution, and silence from leadership must end. I’m running to ensure government serves the public—not political agendas.
  • I bring real-world experience, not just talking points. I’ve spent my career delivering results—whether on the Fairfax County Planning Commission, leading a housing nonprofit, or managing public resources. I understand policy because I’ve implemented it, and I know the challenges families face because I live them. I’m a small business owner, housing advocate, and caregiver who knows how systems succeed—and where they fail. I’ll bring that lived experience to Congress and fight for practical, people-first solutions that improve lives.
  • I’m running to protect democracy and restore accountability. We need bold leadership willing to take on corruption and defend our institutions. I support banning congressional stock trading, restoring voting rights, implementing ranked choice voting in primaries, and rolling back presidential power grabs like the Insurrection Act. Our democracy is under attack from bad actors—and too much silence. I’ll hold both parties accountable and put voters first, always. Because democracy doesn't defend itself—we have to show up and fight for it.
I’m passionate about protecting federal workers, expanding affordable housing, and defending our democracy. As the spouse of a federal employee and a housing advocate, I’ve seen how policy directly impacts families. I care deeply about preserving Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and ensuring government works for the people—not the powerful. I’m committed to restoring trust in our institutions, strengthening civil service protections, and investing in medical research, climate resilience, and education. At every level, I believe policy should reflect dignity, equity, and accountability—and I’m running to make that real.
I’ve always looked up to Ann Richards, the former governor of Texas. She was bold, sharp, fearless—and a straight talker who never apologized for standing up for what she believed in. She spoke truth to power with wit and wisdom, and she made politics accessible to everyday people. Ann Richards had a deep sense of justice and public service, and she never let ego or elitism get in the way of doing what was right. I admire her ability to lead with strength and authenticity, to connect across lines of difference, and to hold the powerful accountable without losing her sense of humor or humanity. That’s the kind of leader I aspire to be—one who brings people in, tells the truth, and fights like hell for what matters.
Harry Truman’s call to service was a powerful inspiration to my father, who grew up in Kansas City, and it has had a lasting impact on me. Truman represented a style of leadership grounded in humility, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to the public good. He believed in doing the right thing—not the politically convenient thing—and he never shied away from tough decisions if they served the greater good. His worldview shaped much of the post-war order and continues to offer lessons for our politics today: protect democracy, expand opportunity, and lead with principle and integrity.

I’ve long admired Truman’s willingness to speak plainly and act decisively, whether it was desegregating the armed forces, confronting corruption, or investing in everyday Americans through the Fair Deal. His belief in an accountable, ethical government and in the dignity of public service reflects my own.

One quote that captures his philosophy—and mine—is: “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” That’s how I approach this campaign, and it’s how I will lead.
Elected officials must lead with integrity, transparency, and courage. Voters deserve representatives who tell the truth, listen with humility, and act in the public’s best interest—not out of political convenience or loyalty to special interests. I believe in accountability, ethical governance, and showing up—not just during election season, but every day in service to the people. An effective leader must have the experience to understand complex issues, the independence to challenge their own party when necessary, and the compassion to connect policy decisions to real lives. Public service is a responsibility, not a stepping stone—and it should always be rooted in trust, equity, and a commitment to our democracy.
I bring a combination of real-world experience, strong ethics, and a deep commitment to public service. I lead with empathy, speak with honesty, and don’t shy away from tough decisions. I listen closely, ask hard questions, and always focus on practical solutions that center people, not politics. I believe leadership means showing up, doing the work, and never forgetting who you serve. I’m not here for soundbites—I’m here to fight for working families, protect our democracy, and make government work better for all of us.
The core responsibilities of a member of Congress are to represent their constituents, uphold the Constitution, and legislate in the public interest—but it doesn’t stop there. A truly effective representative must be a public servant in every sense of the word. That means fighting for legislation that reflects the values and needs of the district, conducting meaningful oversight to keep our government accountable, and protecting the rights and freedoms of all Americans. It also means being present, accessible, and responsive—showing up for the people you serve, not just during campaign season, but every day in office.

One of the most critical and often overlooked responsibilities is constituent services. Members of Congress have the ability to help residents navigate federal agencies—whether it’s accessing veterans’ benefits, resolving Social Security issues, or helping during a crisis. These services can make an immediate difference in people’s lives, and I believe they should be treated with the same urgency and care as any bill in Congress. At its core, this role is about trust, service, and delivering for the people who put their faith in you.
I want to leave a legacy of service, courage, and impact—of being a leader who showed up, told the truth, and delivered real results for real people. I want to be remembered as someone who made government work better for working families, who fought for civil servants and caregivers, and who stood firm in defense of democracy when it was under threat. I hope people will say I brought compassion and common sense to Congress, that I listened more than I talked, and that I never forgot who I worked for. If I can help shift the culture of politics toward accountability, equity, and empathy—if I can open the door wider for those who come after me—then I’ll consider that a legacy worth leaving.
The first historical event I remember is the Challenger explosion in 1986. I was in fourth grade, living in Clear Lake City, Texas, near NASA. It was more than just something on the news—one of the astronauts, Ellison Onizuka, had kids at my school. I remember the day so clearly. Our teachers looked heartbroken. Some of my classmates were crying. As a child, it was the first time I felt the weight of a national tragedy in such a personal way. It wasn’t just something happening “out there”—it was happening to people we knew. That day taught me that history isn’t abstract—it’s made up of real people, families, and communities. That experience has stayed with me ever since.
My very first "job" was babysitting for several families in my neighborhood. It taught me responsibility, trust, and how to manage real-life challenges—lessons I still carry with me today. I babysat throughout my teenage years, and I’m proud to still keep in touch with two of those families, even after 35 years.

I also worked at my parents’ preschool, which was truly a family operation. I mopped floors, cleaned toilets, worked as a teacher's aide, and—long before we had the internet—catalogued the entire 10,000-book library. (I think it was 10,000 books--it certainly felt like 10,000 books!) That experience taught me the value of hard work, teamwork, and the pride that comes from pitching in wherever you’re needed. Whether it was caring for children, cleaning the building, or working in the kitchen, those early jobs grounded me in the belief that no task is too small when you’re serving a greater purpose. That’s a mindset I carry into public service today.
I’ve long loved the Harry Potter series—it sparked my imagination, reminded me of the power of friendship, and showed how courage and compassion can stand up to injustice. Like many people, those books were a meaningful part of my life. But I’m also deeply disappointed and troubled by J.K. Rowling’s harmful statements on trans rights. Trans people deserve dignity, respect, and full equality, period. It’s painful when something that brought you joy is tied to someone who uses their platform to marginalize others. I still cherish the values I took from the Harry Potter series—standing up for what’s right, protecting the vulnerable, and choosing love over fear—but I believe it’s important to say clearly: trans rights are human rights, and we all have a responsibility to speak up when those rights are under attack.
If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Margo Hanson from The Magicians. She’s fearless, sharp-tongued, and refuses to be underestimated. Margo leads with confidence, even when the stakes are high and the odds are against her. She’s not afraid to speak truth to power—or to hold power herself—and she brings a level of strategic brilliance, loyalty, and grit that I deeply admire. What I love most is that she grows over time: becoming not just a survivor, but a leader who fights fiercely for her people without losing her edge. Margo reminds us that strength doesn’t have to look a certain way, and that toughness and compassion can exist in the same person. She’s afraid of no one—and I think we need more of that energy in public life.
One thing that has been a struggle in my life is learning how to ask for help. I’ve always been someone who takes responsibility seriously—whether it was in my family, my work, or my community. I’m used to being the one others rely on, and for a long time, I thought asking for help meant I was failing or falling short. But life has a way of humbling you. Becoming a caregiver for my mother, balancing that with my work, and navigating real challenges taught me that strength isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s about knowing when to lean on others and build support systems. It’s a lesson I continue to learn, and one that’s made me a better leader and more compassionate person. We all need help sometimes—and no one gets through life alone.
The U.S. House of Representatives is unique in its direct connection to the people. With two-year terms and smaller, population-based districts, it is the chamber closest to the public—designed to be responsive, dynamic, and reflective of the nation’s diversity. The House gives every American community a voice in federal decision-making and ensures that emerging needs, movements, and challenges have a place in our national dialogue.

Unlike the Senate, which was designed for longer deliberation, the House is built for action. It has the power of the purse, the authority to initiate revenue and spending bills, and plays a critical role in oversight—investigating misconduct, checking executive overreach, and holding our government accountable.

At its best, the House is where the energy of democracy lives—where bold ideas are introduced, constituents are heard, and representatives are pushed to serve with urgency and integrity. Its strength lies in its accessibility, accountability, and ability to evolve with the people it serves.
I believe prior experience in government or politics can be beneficial for a representative—especially when it comes to understanding how systems work, how legislation is shaped, and how to navigate the complexities of federal policymaking. But just as important—if not more so—is lived experience. We need leaders who don’t just know the process, but who understand the real-world impact of policy decisions on people’s lives.

That means representatives who have paid bills, navigated healthcare for a loved one, worked in the nonprofit or small business sectors, raised families, or cared for aging parents. I’ve served in local government, led housing initiatives, and managed our organization's federal grants, but I’ve also lived the challenges many families face every day.

Experience inside the system is helpful—but experience outside the system is essential for grounding decisions in reality, not just rhetoric. Congress works best when it includes people who can bridge both—those who know how to get things done and who never forget who they’re fighting for.
Over the next decade, I believe the United States faces several interconnected challenges that will shape our future—economically, socially, and democratically.

First, we must confront the erosion of trust in government and democratic institutions. Political extremism, disinformation, and rising authoritarianism threaten the very foundation of our republic. Protecting voting rights, ensuring free and fair elections, defending the independence of the civil service, and holding leaders accountable are essential to preserving our democracy.

Second, we must address economic inequality and the high cost of living. From affordable housing and childcare to healthcare and retirement security, too many Americans are falling behind while billionaires and corporations rig the rules in their favor. We need bold, inclusive economic policies that invest in working people—not just the wealthy.

Third, the climate crisis poses an existential threat to our communities, economy, and national security. We need urgent, science-driven action to build resilience, reduce emissions, and transition to a clean energy economy—while creating good jobs in the process.

Finally, we face a crisis of care—underinvestment in public health, education, and the basic services that support families and aging populations. We need to rebuild these systems with dignity and equity at the center.

Each of these challenges requires principled, effective leadership—and the courage to act before it’s too late.
I support term limits because no one should treat elected office as a lifetime appointment. Public service should be about delivering results—not accumulating power. Term limits can help break the cycle of career politicians, reduce the influence of entrenched special interests, and create space for new voices, ideas, and leadership that better reflect our communities. But term limits alone aren’t enough—we also need stronger ethics laws, a ban on congressional stock trading, and more transparency in how campaigns are funded. I believe in a government that is accountable, responsive, and rooted in service—not self-interest. Term limits are one tool to help restore public trust and ensure Congress works for the people, not the political class.
I deeply admire Rep. Barbara Jordan, who brought unmatched moral clarity, constitutional grounding, and courage to her service in Congress. As the first Black woman elected to Congress from the South, she broke barriers not just by being there—but by how she led. Her voice during the Watergate hearings reminded the country that the Constitution is not abstract—it’s a living contract between the people and their government. Her commitment to justice, civil rights, and the rule of law are values I share and seek to bring to my own public service.

I also look to Rep. Shirley Chisholm, who was unbought and unbossed—and unapologetically so. She challenged the political establishment, spoke up for those left out of the system, and ran for president not just to win, but to pave the way for others. Her boldness, independence, and refusal to be silenced are deeply inspiring to me. Like Chisholm, I believe in telling the truth, even when it’s unpopular, and in standing firm for what’s right—not just what’s easy.

Both women showed that leadership means fighting for people with both head and heart. That’s the legacy I hope to carry forward.
There are so many stories I’ve heard on the campaign trail that stay with me—but one I heard just this past weekend was especially heartbreaking. I spoke with a woman living with a debilitating illness that left her permanently disabled. Despite having insurance, her out-of-pocket costs over several years totaled more than $200,000. The financial strain was devastating—not just for her, but for her entire family.

Now, she’s on permanent disability, and her parents—aging themselves—are trying to plan for how she’ll be supported when they’re no longer here. But because of outdated disability rules, she’s restricted from having assets above a very limited threshold. That means her parents can’t leave her much to ensure her stability, even though she’ll need support for the rest of her life.

Her story is a stark reminder of how our systems are failing people. We need to fix the broken healthcare system, reform asset and disability rules, and center dignity and compassion in how we care for our most vulnerable. She shouldn’t be punished for being sick—or for surviving. Stories like hers fuel my commitment to making government work for the people it was meant to serve.
In normal times, compromise is both necessary and desirable in policymaking. Democracy depends on the ability to find common ground, build coalitions, and create durable solutions that serve a broad public.

But these are not normal times. We are witnessing unprecedented overreach—attacks on civil rights, threats to democracy, and efforts to dismantle the institutions that hold our government accountable.

When one side is actively trying to undermine free and fair elections, politicize the civil service, strip people of their fundamental rights, and protect corruption, compromise is not the answer—courage is. We cannot negotiate away democracy or human dignity for the sake of bipartisanship. That doesn’t mean refusing to work across the aisle on good-faith solutions, but it does mean drawing a hard line against extremism and authoritarianism, no matter what party it comes from.

I believe in results, not rhetoric—but we can’t solve our problems by meeting halfway with those trying to break the system. The stakes are too high. Now is the time for bold, principled leadership that puts people over politics and protects the foundations of our democracy.
The House’s constitutional authority to originate all revenue-raising bills is one of its most powerful tools—and one I would take seriously if elected. This responsibility gives members of the House the opportunity to shape how we fund our government, what priorities we invest in, and who carries the tax burden. It’s not just a procedural rule—it’s a reflection of the principle that those closest to the people should decide how their money is spent.

If elected, I would use this authority to fight for a fairer, more equitable tax system. That means closing loopholes for billionaires and corporations, protecting and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, and ensuring that middle-class and working families aren’t subsidizing tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. It also means ensuring we have the resources to invest in what matters most: Social Security and Medicare, affordable housing, medical research, public education, and climate resilience.

The power to raise revenue should be used to lift people up—not to protect special interests or further enrich those at the top. I would bring a strong sense of justice and responsibility to that work, making sure our budget reflects our values and serves the people—not just the powerful.
The U.S. House’s investigative powers are essential to our system of checks and balances. They exist to ensure that no one—not even a president—is above the law. These powers must be used to expose wrongdoing, protect democratic institutions, and uphold the public’s trust in government. Oversight isn’t about political theater—it’s about accountability.

One of the most urgent uses of this power is to investigate Donald Trump’s blatant corruption and abuse of power. From efforts to overturn the 2020 election, to the mishandling of classified documents, to potential financial conflicts of interest during his presidency, the American people deserve answers—and consequences. His actions posed a direct threat to our democracy, and failing to hold him accountable only emboldens future lawlessness.

But oversight must go beyond Trump. Congress should investigate misuse of public funds, corporate profiteering off government contracts, attacks on the civil service, and failures in disaster response and public health. The House must be relentless in exposing the truth—no matter how politically inconvenient it may be. I believe in using these powers not for partisan gain, but to ensure government serves the people with integrity, transparency, and justice.
I’m most interested in serving on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Ways and Means, Financial Services, and Foreign Affairs—committees where I can bring both my lived experience and professional background to bear on the issues that matter most to Virginia’s 11th District.

Oversight and Government Reform is where we hold our institutions accountable and defend the integrity of the federal workforce. As the spouse of a federal employee and veteran, and someone who has worked directly with federal programs and contracts, I’ve seen how vital a strong, independent civil service is to our democracy. I want to fight for due process protections, stronger whistleblower safeguards, and an end to using the federal workforce as a political scapegoat.

Ways and Means and Financial Services would allow me to directly impact economic justice—from protecting and expanding Social Security and Medicare, to closing tax loopholes, and tackling the affordability crisis. With my background in affordable housing and nonprofit leadership, I understand how federal policy shapes opportunity—and I’ll advocate for policies that put working families first.

Foreign Affairs is especially important in this moment of global instability. Democracy is under threat abroad and at home. I believe in a strong, ethical U.S. presence on the world stage—one that advances diplomacy, human rights, and global cooperation, not endless conflict or political theater. We need leaders who will bring principle and purpose to our foreign policy, and I’m ready to do just that.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Public service is a position of trust, and that trust is broken when elected officials enrich themselves or serve special interests instead of the people. I support banning congressional stock trading, strengthening conflict-of-interest rules, and increasing transparency around lobbying and campaign finance. I also believe in proactive oversight—not just reacting after wrongdoing occurs. Government should be open, ethical, and responsive, with clear systems for reporting abuse and protecting whistleblowers. Transparency builds trust, and accountability ensures results. If we want a democracy that works for all of us, we have to demand better—and lead by example.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Candice Bennett campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2025* U.S. House Virginia District 11Withdrew general$37,520 $37,325
Grand total$37,520 $37,325
Sources: OpenSecretsFederal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 19, 2025


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