Washington — Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia died Wednesday, his family announced.
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.
House Democrats elected Connolly to serve as the ranking member of the Oversight Committee following the November elections.
Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas died on March 4, and Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona died on March 13.
Washington: Rep. Dem. According to his family, Gerry Connolly of Virginia passed away on Wednesday. Seventy-five was his age.
Weeks after Connolly declared that his cancer had returned, he would not run for reelection in 2026 and would be leaving his position as the leading Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.
We regret to inform you of the passing of Congressman Gerald E. Kennedy, our beloved and devoted father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant. “This morning, Connolly passed away quietly at home with his loved ones by his side,” Connolly’s family said in a statement.
The 11th Congressional District of Virginia, which includes portions of the area outside of Washington, D.C., has been represented by Connolly, a Democrat. starting in 2009. He declared in November that he would be receiving immunotherapy and chemotherapy for his esophageal cancer diagnosis.
However, the Democrat from Virginia claimed in an open letter to his voters last month that although the cancer was initially defeated by treatment, it had come back. “My time in public service is coming to an end,” he said at the time. “.
Connolly’s family celebrated his years of public service and said, “His legacy now colors our region,” when they announced his passing. “.”.
They stated that “it was our good fortune to share Gerry with Northern Virginia for almost 40 years because that was his passion, his purpose, and his joy.”. “We are glad that his life’s work will live on for future generations, but his absence will leave a void in our hearts. We know that Gerry loved you all very much, and we appreciate your love for him. “.”.
Rep. In a statement, James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky and the chair of the Oversight Committee, paid tribute to Connolly.
“The loss of Ranking Member Gerry Connolly saddens me greatly. He said, “He was a devoted public servant who served with honor and integrity in the 11th Congressional District of Virginia.”. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this trying time as we grieve the loss of our friend and coworker. “.
Connolly was a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for 14 years, including five years as chairman, prior to being elected to Congress. In the DDOTC, the county is the largest jurisdiction. region, home to over a million people. He participated in the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Oversight panel during his time in Congress.
Connolly was chosen by House Democrats to be the ranking member of the Oversight Committee after the November elections. Democrats began vying for his place after he announced last month that he was leaving his position as panel leader.
Connolly is this year’s third House Democrat to pass away. Representative. On March 4, Texas Representative Sylvester Turner passed away. Arizonan Raul Grijalva passed away on March 13.
