Washington, D.C. – Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Democrat representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, died Wednesday at the age of 75, his family announced.
Connolly’s death follows his recent announcement that he would not seek re-election in 2026 and would step down from his position as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee due to the recurrence of his cancer.
“It is with immense sadness that we share that our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family,” his family stated.
Connolly had represented the district, which includes parts of the region outside Washington, D.C., since 2009. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in November and had been undergoing treatment.
In a letter to his constituents last month, Connolly revealed that his cancer had returned after initial treatments proved effective. He indicated that his “sun is setting on my time in public service.”
His family praised his dedication to public service, highlighting his impact on Northern Virginia. “We were fortunate to share Gerry with Northern Virginia for nearly 40 years because that was his joy, his purpose, and his passion,” they said. “His absence will leave a hole in our hearts, but we are proud that his life’s work will endure for future generations. We thank you for your love of Gerry, and know he loved you all so much.”
Former President Joe Biden, who himself recently disclosed a prostate cancer diagnosis, remembered Connolly as a man of “deep integrity, principle, and purpose.”
“He was a dear friend, a fierce leader for working families, and someone I was proud to partner with throughout our careers,” Biden wrote on X. He recalled working with Connolly during his time on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and later as president, collaborating on legislation such as the American Rescue Plan and initiatives to support veterans and first responders.
Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), chairman of the Oversight Committee, also expressed his condolences. “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Ranking Member Gerry Connolly. He was a dedicated public servant who represented Virginia’s 11th Congressional District with honor and integrity,” Comer said. “We mourn the loss of our friend and colleague, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Before his congressional career, Connolly served for 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as chairman. Fairfax County is the largest jurisdiction in the Washington, D.C., region, with over 1 million residents. In Congress, he served on the Oversight and Foreign Affairs Committees.
Connolly was elected ranking member of the Oversight Committee by House Democrats following the November elections. His decision to step down last month triggered an internal competition among Democrats to fill the position.
Connolly is the third House Democrat to pass away this year, following Rep. Sylvester Turner (Texas) on March 4 and Rep. Raul Grijalva (Arizona) on March 13.
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