Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia dies after battling cancer

Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) questions witnesses during a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing titled "A Hearing with Sanctuary City Mayors" in Washington, DC on March 5, 2025.

Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia has died at the age of 75 after a battle with esophageal cancer, his family said Wednesday.

"It is with immense sadness that we share that our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family," read a statement posted on Connolly's X account.

Connolly served as the top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform until late last month, when he said he would step down because his cancer had returned.

Connolly had been elected to that leadership role in December over a challenge from progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., even after announcing his diagnosis a month earlier.

First elected to Congress in 2008, Connolly was known in the House for his fierce advocacy on behalf of the thousands of federal employees who live in his northern Virginia district.

A gregarious person, Connolly cultivated friendships on both sides of the aisle over more than 15 years in Congress.

On Wednesday morning, the House Rules Committee paused its contentious meeting on President Donald Trump's massive tax bill and held a moment of silence in Connolly's honor.

"To stop and say a prayer for his family, please take some time," Committee Chair Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., told members.

Connolly revealed in November that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer — a surprise, he said, because he was experiencing almost no symptoms.

He said he would immediately undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and vowed to fight the disease "the only way I know how — with Irish fight and humor."