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Indian American psychiatrist enters congressional race in Virginia
The seat was vacated following the death of longtime Representative Gerry Connolly on May 21.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 26, Jun 2025
- 15:24 EDT
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Priya Punnoose / punnooseforcongress.com
Indian American psychiatrist and democrat Priya Punnoose entered the race for the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia.
She will be contesting the expedited June 28 primary for the 11th congressional district seat left vacant by the death of longtime Representative Gerry Connolly.
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“As a psychiatrist, I’ve worked closely with children and families navigating some of the incredibly complex challenges in our healthcare and social system. And that’s why I’m running for Congress,” Punnoose said in a statement.
In a campaign video, she stressed that her focus will be on creating policies that safeguard children’s mental and physical well-being. Drawing on her professional experience, she criticized political instability and public health failures that she believes are leaving children anxious and vulnerable.
Punnoose highlighted issues such as gun violence, preventable disease outbreaks, economic precarity, and immigration-related disruptions—calling them unacceptable for today’s youth.
Currently, Punnoose serves as assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral health at George Washington University. In 2024, she was named a Congressional Fellow by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, where she contributed to national mental health policy efforts during her time on Capitol Hill.
A daughter of immigrant parents from Kerala, India, Punnoose grew up near the Herndon Library in Northern Virginia.
“Growing up here, I didn’t have to worry about active shooter drills, a whooping cough, or measles outbreaks, or if my dad’s job went away, or if my friends were suddenly taken away. Your kids shouldn’t have to either. The best part of my job is walking with kids and families. Let’s do it together.”
Early voting took place at the Fairfax County Government Center from June 24 to 26, with the unassembled caucus scheduled for June 28. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has set the special election for Sept. 9.
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