So Lim Running In 11th District Delegate Race: Democratic Primary

FAIRFAX, VA — Affordability and the growing gap between what Northern Virginia sends to Richmond and what we get back are the most pressing issues facing the 11th District, according to So Lim, one of the five candidates seeking to be the Democratic Party's candidate in the Jan. 13, 2026 special election.

"Northern Virginia residents pay billions in state taxes every year, yet too often those dollars don’t return to support our local economy, housing needs, schools, or infrastructure," Lim said. "That imbalance is squeezing families, seniors, and young people who want to stay in the community they grew up in."

Lim is facing Douglas Shuster, Vanessa Cárdenas, Gretchen Bulova, and Denver Supinger in Tuesday's firehouse primary, hoping to be their party's candidate on the Jan. 13 ballot in the 11th District House of Delegates race.

How To Vote: 11th District Democrats Host Primary In House Of Delegates Race

The 11th District seat became vacant when David Bulova stepped down to become Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger's nominee as the next Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources.

Patch reached out to all five candidates running in Tuesday's primary, asking them to answer a few questions to help voters learn more about them. The following are Lim's responses to Patch's candidate questionnaire. Scroll down to view the other candidates' responses.

What is your occupation and the number of years you've worked in the field?

What is the single issue that defines your candidacy? (200 Word Limit)

The single issue that defines my candidacy is experienced, results-driven leadership that delivers for constituents.

I am the only candidate in this race who has served multiple terms as an elected official, representing residents, responding to constituent needs, and making real decisions that affect people’s daily lives. On Fairfax City Council, I didn’t just debate policy — I listened to residents, worked through disagreements, and delivered solutions that balanced community priorities, fiscal responsibility, and long-term growth.