Congressman Gerry Connolly of Virginia has died at the age of 75 after a battle with esophageal cancer. A longtime Democratic lawmaker and respected figure in Northern Virginia politics, Connolly passed away peacefully at his home in Fairfax County, surrounded by his family.
Connolly had served in Congress since 2009, representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. Before that, he was a fixture in local government, serving on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for over a decade, including six years as chairman. In Washington, he was best known for his leadership on the House Oversight Committee, where he championed federal workers, government accountability, and modernization of outdated federal systems. He was widely regarded as a serious and effective lawmaker, often described as a pragmatic voice in a deeply polarized Congress.
In November 2024, Connolly announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer but said he would continue to serve. By April 2025, he confirmed the cancer had returned and that he would not seek re-election in 2026. Despite stepping back from some duties, he remained actively engaged in public service until his final weeks.
His death leaves a vacancy in a safe Democratic seat, with a special election expected to be called soon. Among the potential successors are former aides and local officials, including Fairfax Supervisor James Walkinshaw and State Senator Stella Pekarsky.
Condolences have poured in from across the political spectrum. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and members of Congress from both parties praised Connolly’s dedication, sharp intellect, and steady leadership. He is survived by his wife Cathy and their daughter Caitlin.
Gerry Connolly’s death marks the loss of a committed public servant who spent decades working to improve both his community and the country.
The post Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly Dies at 75 After Cancer Battle appeared first on Real News Now.
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