Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly, a veteran Democrat serving his eighth term in Congress, has died at age 75 after battling esophageal cancer, triggering an unprecedented display of bipartisan respect during a divisive political season.
At a Glance
- Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly passed away at 75 after his battle with esophageal cancer, which he had announced returned in April
- His death was announced during a House Rules Committee session by Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, prompting immediate bipartisan tributes
- Connolly had recently won a competitive race to become the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee
- His passing marks the third Democratic House member death since the November election, increasing Republican majority to 220-212
- Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will call a special election to fill the vacant seat
Congressional Colleagues React With Respect
News of Connolly’s passing spread quickly through the halls of Congress after House Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx made the solemn announcement during an ongoing session. The moment transcended partisan divisions that typically define Washington politics, as members from both parties paused to honor their colleague’s life and service.
“I ask us all to stop and say a prayer for his family. Please take some time,” said Virginia Foxx during the committee meeting where she announced Connolly’s passing.
House Speaker Mike Johnson joined numerous Republican colleagues in offering condolences, highlighting the respected position Connolly held among his peers regardless of party affiliation. Representative Rich McCormick, a Georgia Republican, recalled Connolly’s consistent courtesy and professionalism despite policy disagreements.
A Distinguished Career of Public Service
Connolly’s political career spanned decades of public service. First elected to Congress in 2008 during the Obama wave, he was subsequently re-elected eight times to represent Virginia’s 11th district. Prior to his congressional service, he had served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and worked as a Democratic staffer on the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.
“I’ve traveled with him with the NATO Parliamentary and just always a gentleman. Always greeted you with a smile. Always polite. Didn’t always see things the same as everybody else, but always a pleasure to work with. He will be missed, for sure,” said Rich McCormick.
Connolly had recently achieved a significant career milestone by defeating progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the top Democratic position on the House Oversight Committee. In April, he announced that his esophageal cancer had returned, indicating he would not seek re-election in 2026, but few expected his condition would deteriorate so rapidly.
Political Implications and Legacy
Connolly’s death has immediate political consequences for the House of Representatives. As the third Democratic member to pass away since the November election, following the deaths of Representatives Donald McEachin and Sheila Jackson Lee, his passing increases the Republican majority to 220-212. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will now call a special election to fill the vacant seat.
“Gerry lived his life to give back to others and make our community better. He looked out for the disadvantaged and voiceless. He always stood up for what is right and just. He was a skilled statesman on the international stage, an accomplished legislator in Congress, a visionary executive on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, a fierce defender of democracy, an environmental champion, and a mentor to so many,” his family stated in their tribute.
Throughout his congressional tenure, Connolly was known as a staunch advocate for federal workers, many of whom resided in his Northern Virginia district. He frequently clashed with Republicans on issues related to government oversight but maintained respectful relationships across the aisle. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Smith, and daughter, Caitlin Connolly.
Local Impact and Remembrance
Beyond the halls of Congress, Connolly’s impact was deeply felt throughout Northern Virginia, where he championed numerous infrastructure and community development projects. The Fairfax Republican Party joined Democrats in acknowledging his contributions to the region, setting aside partisan differences to honor his memory.
“But more important than his accomplishments in elected office, Gerry lived by the ethos of ‘bloom where you are planted.’ From the Silver Line to the Oakton Library, Mosaic District to the Cross County Trail and beyond, his legacy now colors our region,” his family noted in their statement.
Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Lamont Bagby praised Connolly as a true public servant, while various state officials and candidates including Levar Stoney and Jay Jones expressed their sadness and respect for his decades of service to the Commonwealth. His passing marks the end of an era for Virginia politics, where his presence was a constant for nearly two decades.
