Keith S. Fimian and Pat Herrity are part of a growing trend this year: CPAs running for a seat in Congress.

Keith S. Fimian

A former CPA, Fimian, 53, is challenging Democrat Gerry Connolly for his seat in Northern Virginia’s 11th Congressional District in Fairfax County. He announced his candidacy in November. Earlier this month, two other CPAs announced their candidacies: Phil Liberatore in California and Joseph DioGuardi in New York (see Another CPA Announces Campaign).

Another former CPA, Pat Herrity, has also announced his candidacy, and in an unusual twist, he is running against Fimian as the Republican challenger for Connolly's seat.

Fimian is chairman of U.S. Inspect, a provider of residential and commercial property inspection services. Prior to founding the company, he worked for seven years with KPMG. He is also president of the Washington D.C.-based Youth Leadership Foundation, a supplemental academic and character-formation program serving disadvantaged youth in our nation’s capital. He launched his campaign decrying overspending in Washington.

“We have to say no to the politicians and special interests who are pushing our nation into bankruptcy,” he said. “We need to encourage, not burden, small businesses so they can hire people and help our economy grow again.”

Fimian received an endorsement in December from House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, D-Va.

His rival, Herrity, currently serves as Springfield District Supervisor on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. He has a 25-year career as a businessman and is a candidate for 11th Congressional District in Virginia. Herrity was a CPA for Arthur Andersen.