Virginia Representative Gerry Connolly has died at age 75 after battling esophageal cancer, prompting an outpouring of bipartisan tributes highlighting his dedicated public service and character. Virginia Foxx, chairwoman of the House Rules Committee, announced his death during an active congressional session. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will hold a special election to fill Connolly’s vacant seat.
A Career of Public Service Cut Short
Democratic Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly, a prominent member of the House Oversight Committee, died Tuesday at age 75 following his battle with esophageal cancer. The announcement came unexpectedly during a congressional session when House Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx delivered the news to her colleagues. Connolly had announced in April that his cancer had returned, leading to his decision not to seek re-election in 2026.
Prior to his congressional service, Connolly served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and worked as a Democratic staffer on the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee. Most recently, he had won a competitive race to become the ranking member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, defeating Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the position. As his health declined, Connolly had stepped back from his duties and endorsed Rep. Stephen Lynch to temporarily lead the committee.
Third Democrat House member elected last November to die since January. Why do they insist on clinging to power until the very end?https://t.co/Dvbe57VENJ
— Marc Joffe (@joffemd) May 21, 2025
Bipartisan Respect and Admiration
The news of Connolly’s death prompted an immediate and heartfelt response from colleagues across the political spectrum. Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his condolences, as did numerous representatives from both parties. Rep. Rich McCormick, a Republican, spoke highly of his Democratic colleague’s character and approach to politics despite their differences.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat, highlighted Connolly’s personal qualities, stating, “Gerry was one of the nicest, funniest people up here in Congress. It was an honor to serve with him, and it just continues to seem that cancer takes the best among us.” Even the Fairfax Republican Party publicly acknowledged Connolly’s service to Virginia, demonstrating the respect he earned from political opponents throughout his career.
Gerry Connolly, who Nancy Pelosi threw her weight behind to avoid AOC getting the top Dem spot on oversight, has died in office. pic.twitter.com/b13QcxVEfh
— Tom Scherschel (@TomScherschel) May 21, 2025
Political Implications and Legacy
Connolly’s death has significant political ramifications, as it marks the third death among Democratic House members since the November election. His passing widens the Republican majority in the House to 220-212, further diminishing Democrats’ ability to advance their legislative agenda. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will call a special election to fill the vacant seat, which could temporarily increase the Republican advantage in the chamber.
Throughout his congressional career, Connolly was known as a staunch advocate for federal workers and often clashed with Republicans on various issues. Yet he maintained respectful relationships with colleagues across the aisle. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Smith, and daughter, Caitlin Connolly. Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Lamont Bagby summed up the congressman’s impact by calling him a true public servant who left a lasting mark on the commonwealth and the nation.