Candice Bennett - 2026 Democratic Candidate for U.S. House in VA District 11

Background and Career

Candice Bennett is a Democratic candidate running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia's 11th District in the 2026 election. She currently serves as an At-Large Planning Commissioner for Fairfax County, a role she has held for several years, with her term expiring in December 2028. Her professional background includes serving as the Director of Development and Communications at Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services, an organization focused on affordable housing and community development (Fairfax County Planning Commission, LinkedIn). She has also owned her own business, Candice Bennett & Associates, Inc., for over twenty years, and studied MA in Security Policy at The George Washington University (Ballotpedia).

Her involvement in local government and community advocacy highlights her focus on land use, housing stability, and environmental issues. She has publicly discussed regulations to preserve mobile homes, indicating her interest in housing affordability and land use policies (FFX Now).

Political Positions and Campaign Platform

Specific policy positions on key issues such as healthcare, economy, education, and environment are not explicitly documented in the available sources. The campaign website and recent interviews do not provide detailed stances on these issues. However, her professional roles and public statements suggest a focus on affordable housing, community development, and protecting federal workers’ rights. Her advocacy for regulations to preserve mobile homes and her involvement in environmental discussions within the Fairfax County Planning Commission imply a commitment to housing stability and environmental sustainability.

Notable News Coverage and Campaign Activities

Candice Bennett's candidacy has garnered support from local leaders, including endorsement from Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, which underscores her community backing (AlxNow). She has actively participated in candidate forums and debates, engaging with voters and other candidates to articulate her campaign priorities (WJLA). Her campaign emphasizes her background in community service, her advocacy for federal workers, and her commitment to local issues.

There are no reports of controversies or scandals associated with her campaign, and her activities appear focused on community engagement and policy advocacy relevant to her district.

Summary

Candice Bennett is a well-established community leader with extensive experience in land use, affordable housing, and environmental issues within Fairfax County. Her candidacy for Virginia's 11th District in 2026 is supported by local endorsements and active campaign participation. While her specific policy positions on broader national issues remain undocumented, her professional background and public statements suggest a focus on housing affordability, community development, and protecting federal workers' rights. Her campaign continues to build support through community engagement and policy advocacy aligned with her background and expertise.