Washington — The tragic news has emerged that Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia passed away on Wednesday at the age of 75. His family confirmed the news, stating that Connolly died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loved ones. This heartbreaking announcement follows Connolly's recent declaration that he would not be seeking reelection in 2026 and would be stepping down from his role as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee due to the return of his cancer.
Just weeks before his passing, Connolly revealed to his constituents that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. In November, he announced plans to undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments. Despite initially responding well to treatment, Connolly shared in a heartfelt open letter that the cancer had returned, stating, "my sun is setting on my time in public service."
Connolly's family expressed their profound sorrow in a statement, honoring his dedication as a father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant. They emphasized that his legacy would continue to impact the region, saying, "We were fortunate to share Gerry with Northern Virginia for nearly 40 years because that was his joy, his purpose, and his passion." They acknowledged the deep void his absence would create, but took pride in the enduring nature of his life's work.
Before his tenure in Congress, Connolly served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for 14 years, including a notable five years as chairman. Fairfax County is the largest jurisdiction in the Washington, D.C. area, with over 1 million residents. Since being elected to Congress in 2009, Connolly played an active role on both the Oversight Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee. Following the November elections, he was elected by House Democrats as the ranking member of the Oversight Committee.
Connolly's decision to step down from his leadership position on the Oversight Committee has sparked an internal race among Democrats to fill the vacancy. His departure marks a significant moment for the committee and the Democratic Party as they navigate the future without his leadership and experience.
As the community mourns the loss of Gerry Connolly, his contributions to public service and commitment to his constituents will be remembered as a testament to his character and dedication to making a difference in the lives of the people he served.
