Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly dies at 75 | USAEMALL.com

Washington — Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia died Wednesday, his family announced. He was 75 years old.

Connolly’s death comes weeks after he announced that he would not seek reelection in 2026 and would be stepping back from his post as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee because his cancer had returned.

“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,” Connolly’s family announced in a statement.

Connolly, a Democrat, has represented Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, which covers parts of the region outside of Washington, D.C., since 2009. He announced in November that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and would be undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

But the Virginia Democrat said in an open letter to his constituents last month that while the cancer was initially beaten back after treatments, it had returned. He said at the time that his “sun is setting on my time in public service.”

In announcing his death, Connolly’s family praised his years in public service, saying “his legacy now colors our region.”

“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.”

Rep. James Comer, a Kentucky Republican who chaired the Oversight Committee, honored Connolly in a statement. 

“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,” he said. “We mourn the loss of our friend and colleague, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Before he was elected to Congress, Connolly served for 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as its chairman. The county is the largest jurisdiction in the Washington, D.C., region, with more than 1 million residents. While in Congress, he served on the Oversight panel and the Foreign Affairs Committee.

House Democrats elected Connolly to serve as the ranking member of the Oversight Committee following the November elections. His decision last month to step down from the top position on the panel set off an internal race among Democrats to succeed him.

Connolly is the third House Democrat to die this year. Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas died on March 4, and Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona died on March 13.