Psychiatrist and first-generation Indian American Priya Punnoose enters the race to succeed the late Rep. Gerry Connolly.
Dr. Priya Punnoose, a distinguished psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult mental health, has announced her candidacy in the June 28 Democratic primary for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.
She is seeking to fill the seat left vacant by the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, a nine-term congressman who died on May 21 after a battle with cancer.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has set a special election for September 9.
Punnoose brings a unique blend of medical expertise, policy experience, and a deep commitment to community service to the political arena.
“I am definitely not a career politician, but I think that works to my advantage,” she told The American Bazaar in an interview. “I have a lot of experience with caring for kids and families, for advocating for families and for navigating really complex systems. And I think that that plus my experience as a child, not a lesson psychiatrist of listening to patients, really trying to find and diagnose what’s going on with them and then problem solving with them to come up with really practical solutions for what’s happening and really compassionate solutions.”
A first-generation American and proud daughter of Northern Virginia, Punnoose has deep roots in the district. She grew up just a stone’s throw from Herndon Library, the child of hardworking immigrant parents who instilled in her the enduring values of education and service.
“My family always believed that no one gets left behind, and everyone deserves a fair shot,” Punnoose said, adding that this philosophy now forms the bedrock of her campaign.
Punnoose’s journey in medicine began at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she completed her undergraduate studies. She earned her medical degree from the American University of Antigua.
Her postgraduate training in adult psychiatry took her to Central Michigan University, followed by a specialized fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the prestigious Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.
During her tenure there, Punnoose rose to leadership positions, serving as the Associate Program Director for the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program and as Medical Director of Emergency Psychiatric Services. Her commitment to education continues through her role as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at George Washington University, where she mentors the next generation of mental health professionals.
Punnoose was awarded the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s Congressional Fellowship in 2024. The prestigious fellowship placed her on Capitol Hill, where she contributed to national policy development and championed mental health advocacy.
This combination of deep clinical experience and direct involvement in national policymaking has propelled Punnoose to seek a seat in Congress. Her campaign is expected to focus on healthcare accessibility, mental health reform, and expanding equitable opportunities for all Virginians.
Early voting takes place on June 24, 25, and 26 at the Fairfax County Government Center from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
To learn more about her campaign, visit https://www.punnooseforcongress.com.
Watch an interview with Dr. Priya Punnoose in which she explains about her vision for her district and beyond:
(This story has been updated.)