Top House Democrat Gerry Connolly Dead at 75 After Cancer Battle [WATCH]

Rep. Gerry Connolly, a Democratic congressman from Virginia, died Monday morning at the age of 75 following a battle with esophageal cancer.

Connolly had served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2009, representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.

His family confirmed his death in a statement posted to X, saying he passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family.

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“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,” the statement read.

pic.twitter.com/jpWKyDUzEN

— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) May 21, 2025

In April, Connolly announced that he would not seek reelection after his esophageal cancer returned.

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He also stated he would step down as the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, one of the most influential panels in Congress.

An updated note to my constituents: pic.twitter.com/snhaVQK8iK

— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) April 28, 2025

Connolly had assumed the top Democratic position on the committee in December, defeating New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the internal party contest.

Connolly’s departure from the Oversight Committee came amid a busy legislative year, with Republicans continuing investigations into issues ranging from border policy to federal agency oversight.

His role as the top Democrat on the committee had placed him in a central position in responding to inquiries and shaping the Democratic caucus’s strategy on oversight matters.

Before serving in Congress, Connolly spent 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as its chairman.

His political career focused heavily on transportation, government efficiency, and federal workforce issues, reflecting the needs of his Northern Virginia district, which includes a large number of federal employees and contractors.

Connolly becomes the third House Democrat to pass away during the current session of Congress, which began in January 2025.

His death follows that of other Democratic members whose passing has shifted the balance and legislative dynamics within the House, where margins have been narrow throughout the term.

Details on plans for a special election to fill the remainder of Connolly’s term have not yet been announced.

Virginia law gives the governor authority to set a date for the election following a vacancy in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Connolly is survived by his wife Cathy and their daughter, Caitlin.

In previous statements, he had expressed gratitude for the support he received from constituents and colleagues during his time in office, particularly following the initial cancer diagnosis and his return to treatment.

The House Oversight Committee is expected to name a new ranking Democrat in the coming days. Connolly’s passing leaves an open leadership position on one of Congress’s key investigative bodies as the House continues its legislative session.

No funeral arrangements have yet been made public.

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