WASHINGTON – Representative Gerry Connolly of Virginia made an announcement on Monday that he will be stepping down from his position as the leading Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. Additionally, he stated that he will not be running for reelection next year, citing the return of his cancer as the reason for his decision. This marks the end of his extensive career in public service.
Connolly expressed his sentiments in a statement, saying, “The sun is setting on my time in public service.” He added, “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.”
At 75 years old, Connolly has been a member of Congress since 2009, representing northern Virginia, specifically Fairfax County. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York praised Connolly in a statement, acknowledging him as a dedicated advocate for the hardworking civil servants in his district, particularly amid the challenges faced by federal employees during the Trump administration.
Sen. Mark Warner, a fellow Virginia Democrat, lauded Connolly for his toughness.
“Whether it’s standing up for federal workers, advocating for good governance, or now confronting cancer with the same resilience and grit that have defined his life of public service, Gerry is one of the toughest fighters I know,” Warner said in a statement.
Connolly announced late last year that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and would undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy. He said that after “grueling treatments,” he learned that the cancer has returned.
Concerns about Connolly’s health were a factor late last year as he ran for the top ranking position on Oversight, one of the most prominent committees in Congress.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., ran against Connolly for the job but was defeated as the majority of Democrats opted to stick with the seniority system. Connolly has served on the Oversight Committee for more than 16 years.
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