Irene Shin is an American politician and former non-profit executive serving as a delegate of the Virginia House of Delegates since 2022. Shin represents the 8th district, encompassing parts of Chantilly, Herndon, Oak Hill, and Reston. A Democrat, she defeated incumbent Ibraheem Samirah in the Democratic primary in 2021. On June 3, 2025, Shin announced her candidacy for the special election in Virginia's 11th congressional district to replace deceased incumbent Gerry Connolly. However, she lost the primary, placing second behind fellow Democrat James Walkinshaw.
Early life and education The daughter of Korean immigrants, she was born in Glendale, California and raised in Greater Los Angeles. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of California, Riverside in 2010.
Career Shin has worked on various Democratic political campaigns, including as finance director for then-Senator Kamala Harris. Until 2024, she was the executive director of non-profit Virginia Civic Engagement Table. Shin serves on the Tysons Transportation District Service Advisory Board for Fairfax County.
Virginia House of Delegates 2021 election
She announced a primary campaign against Delegate Ibraheem Samirah for District 86 in 2021. Despite challenging an incumbent Democrat, Shin received support from the Virginia Democratic Party establishment including multiple state legislators. She defeated Samirah in the June primary by 230 votes and out-raised him by over $100,000.
She defeated Republican Julie Perry in the general election by a margin of 65–34%.
Tenure On June 3, 2025, Shin announced her candidacy for the special election in Virginia's 11th congressional district to replace deceased incumbent Gerry Connolly. U.S. senator Andy Kim from New Jersey endorsed her and was featured in her opening campaign video. She finished second in the firehouse primary on June 28 with 14.3% of the vote, losing to James Walkinshaw.
Personal life She moved to Virginia in 2014 and lives in Herndon. She identifies as Buddhist.
Electoral history 2021
2023
2025
References