VIRGINIA Representative Gerald Connolly has died at age 75 just weeks after he revealed he was stepping down from his position.
Connolly’s family released a heartfelt statement on Wednesday, commemorating his legacy as a dedicated politician who consistently advocated for righteousness and justice.
Last month, the congressman announced he would not seek reelection in 2026 as his esophageal cancer had returned.
In his announcement, he expressed his intention to withdraw from his position as the leading Democrat on the House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform after a lengthy career in public service.
Connolly first announced his diagnosis in November, the day after he was reelected to his ninth term in the House of Representatives.
After battling the cancer with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, he announced his cancer was back in an open letter to his constituents on April 28.
“We’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned,” he wrote to his constituents.
“The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress.”
In the letter, he said his “final chapter” in Congress was approaching.
He said he was fighting a cancer battle consisting of “grueling treatments” and thanked his community for their support.
Connolly’s family said he died at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday morning.
The family’s statement paid tribute to Connolly’s commitment to Northern Virginia for almost four decades, emphasizing that serving the community brought him immense fulfillment, purpose, and enthusiasm.
“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.”
Gerry Connolly’s open letter on April 28
Democrat Representative Gerry Connolly released the following open letter to his constituents on April 28.
Dear Friends,
I want to begin by thanking you for your good wishes and compassion as I continue to tackle my diagnosis. Your outpouring of love and support has given me strength in my fights – both against cancer and in our collective defense of democracy.
When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency. After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.
The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress. I will be stepping back as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee soon. With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years. My loving family and staff sustain me. My extended family – you all have been a joy to serve.
Your friend and public servant,
Gerry Connolly
Former President Joe Biden shared a tribute to Connolly on Wednesday, remembering him as a “man of deep integrity, principle, and purpose.”
“Gerry Connolly was 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.
“The people of Virginia’s 11th Congressional District were lucky to have Gerry Connolly as their champion for so many years. I know his legacy of public service will endure.”
Connolly represented Virginia’s 11th Congressional District since 2009.
Joe Biden’s statement
Joe Biden shared a statement remembering Gerry Connolly on Wednesday.
“Gerry Connolly was a man of deep integrity, principle, and purpose,” Biden wrote.
“He was a dear friend, a fierce leader for working families, and someone I was proud to partner with throughout our careers.
“When I served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Gerry was a key member of our team for a decade starting in 1979.
“Later, he was elected to Congress himself, and when I was president, Gerry and I worked together to pass consequential legislation, including the American Rescue Plan and efforts to prevent veteran suicide and support our nation’s first responders.
“The people of Virginia’s 11th Congressional District were lucky to have Gerry Connolly as their champion for so many years.
“I know his legacy of public service will endure.
“Jill and I are sending love and strength to his wife Smitty, their daughter Caitlin, and the entire Connolly family.”
Source: X
Before he was elected to Congress, Connolly was on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for 14 years and served as its chairman for five years.
The county is the largest jurisdiction in the Washington DC area and has more than one million residents.
Connolly’s death comes a day after he introduced the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act with Kentucky Representative James Comer.
The new legislation would hold the government accountable for gaps in cancer screening and the prevention of esophageal cancer.
“Esophageal cancer is quickly on the rise, touching the lives of tens of thousands of Americans – including mine,” Connolly said in a statement on Tuesday.
“It is vital that we all do our part to raise awareness and push for more research and more effective prevention efforts.”
He continued, “Together, we will fight to end esophageal cancer, bringing hope to thousands of American families.”
Connolly is survived by his wife, Catherine, and his daughter, Caitlin Connolly.
