Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), the top Democrat on the powerful House Oversight Committee, announced yesterday that his cancer has “returned” and that he will not seek re-election next year.
Connolly, 75, first revealed last November that he had cancer of the esophagus with no symptoms aside from some “intermittent” abdominal aches and pains.
At the time, he pledged to keep working while undergoing treatment.
Dem Rep. Gerry Connolly announces retirement due to cancer https://t.co/nRLDZsa7ol pic.twitter.com/JK6xZpwhEL
— New York Post (@nypost) April 28, 2025
“When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency,” Connolly said.
“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.”
He continued: “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.”
The shocking news is significant to the Democratic Party.
In December, Connolly defeated Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to become the ranking member of the oversight panel. With Connolly stepping aside, Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) will take over the role “for now,” sources told Punchbowl News.
Some of Connolly’s colleagues on Capitol Hill, from both the Democratic and Republican parties, were among those to respond to his announcement on X.
“Thank you, Ranking Member [Connolly], for your decades of service. It’s been an honor to work with you on [Oversight Democrats], where your leadership has helped bring transparency and accountability to the new administration. Keeping you in my prayers,” said Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH).
“Although we may differ passionately on many topics, we can unite on one truth: cancer sucks. I extend my heartfelt wishes to my colleague [Connolly] for strength, fortitude, and energy in his battle against cancer,” said Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL).
Connolly began his announcement, which was addressed to “friends,” 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.”
Before serving in Congress, Connolly worked in the 1980s as a staffer for the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. He became a fixture in northern Virginia politics as a Fairfax County board supervisor in 1995. He was elected the board’s chairman in 2003.
During his time on the county board, Connolly played a key role securing the funds needed to develop the region’s silver metro line, which now extends to Dulles International Airport.