Democratic Representative Gerry Connolly passes away at 75 following a battle with cancer.

 

Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia passed away Wednesday morning at his home at the age of 75, his family announced.

“We were fortunate to share Gerry with Northern Virginia for nearly 40 years — his joy, purpose, and passion. His absence leaves a hole in our hearts, but his life’s work will endure for generations,” his family said. “Thank you for loving Gerry as much as he loved you.”

Last month, Connolly revealed he would not seek reelection and would step down from his leadership role on the House Oversight Committee after his esophageal cancer returned. He had first disclosed his diagnosis in November.

“After grueling treatments, the cancer, initially beaten back, has now returned. I’ll do everything possible to continue representing you and thank you for your grace,” Connolly said.

Connolly served Virginia’s 11th district in Congress since 2009, following 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. His family remembered him as someone devoted to improving the community and advocating for the disadvantaged and voiceless.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Connolly’s persistence despite his illness, while House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted his decades of public service. Former President Joe Biden, who worked with Connolly on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recalled him as a man of integrity and principle.

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin called Connolly a “fierce champion of federal workers, public integrity, and the people of Virginia.”

Connolly was the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, known for his focus on government investments and criticism of former President Donald Trump, including voting for his impeachment and opposing his anti-immigrant rhetoric.

He also played a role in international policy, serving on subcommittees focused on Asia and the Middle East. In 2020, he was elected president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, working to strengthen the US role in NATO.

Connolly had expressed concerns about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, emphasizing respect for laws of war while acknowledging regional threats.

This report has been updated with new details.