May 21, 2025
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.
The family of Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) in a statement on X announcing the passing of the Democratic representative from Virginia. Rep. Connolly died on Wednesday morning at the age of 75 after battling esophageal cancer.
Why It Matters: Though a self-proclaimed “passionate Democrat,” Rep. Connolly was known for routinely reaching across party lines to pass legislation on technology, workforce issues, health care and foreign policy: “I look at issues on their merits and make it my business to find out what the issues are. I read bills, we have staff meetings and I want to hear the pros and cons. I go and meet with committee members who draft the bills and talk to their staff. So, I’m pretty diligent and I call it like I see it.”
The ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Connolly announced in April he would not seek reelection in 2026 due to his cancer’s return. Just one day before his death, Rep. Connolly and Rep. James Comer (R-KY), who is the Oversight Committee’s chair, introduced the bipartisan Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act to close gaps on screening and prevention of the disease.
In a post on X, Rep. Comer said this about his colleague: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Ranking Member Gerry Connolly. He was a dedicated public servant who represented Virginia’s 11th Congressional District with honor and integrity. We mourn the loss of our friend and colleague, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Read More: Northern Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly dies at 75 (Politico)
Image Credit: Congressman Gerry Connolly
by Stephanie Wagner, based in Florida
