Rep. , D-11th, announced Monday that he will not run for reelection to Congress or remain as ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Reform Committee because of his intensifying battle with cancer.
Connolly, a powerhouse in Northern Virginia politics for three decades, has been battling esophageal cancer for six months. He said in a statement to constituents that the cancer has returned.
"The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress," said Connolly, .
Connolly, 75, received his initial cancer diagnosis after winning his ninth term in Congress last fall, but vowed to seek election as ranking member of the oversight committee to help lead congressional opposition to President Donald Trump's attack on federal employees and spending that is vital to the economy of North Virginia.
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“Cancer can be tough. But so am I,” he said then. “I will attack this the only way I know how — with Irish fight and humor.”
But Connolly's tone changed on Monday. "After grueling treatments, we've learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned," he said. "I'll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace."
He was first elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995 and served six years as its chairman, before stepping down in 2009 to run for the seat of retiring Rep. Tom Davis, R-11th.
In Congress, Connolly has served on the oversight committee and the House Committee on Foreign Relations since 2009. Before entering politics, he worked for the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations from 1979 to 1989.
He has been a fierce fighter for federal employees and agencies, who have a strong presence in his Northern Virginia district. He was a leader of Virginia's unsuccessful battle with Maryland as the site of a proposed new FBI headquarters that Trump now says will remain in Washington, D.C.
"With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we've accomplished together over 30 years," he said Monday.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said Monday, “Throughout his career, Gerry Connolly has exemplified the very best of public service — fiercely intelligent, deeply principled, and relentlessly committed to the people of Northern Virginia and our nation."
"Whether it’s standing up for federal workers, advocating for good governance, or now confronting cancer with the same resilience and grit that have defined his life of public service, Gerry is one of the toughest fighters I know."
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, called Connolly "a visionary for Fairfax County who moved on to a national role defending federal workers and our democratic institutions."
"Gerry’s courage in the face of personal challenges reflects the same resilience and strength he has shown throughout his career," Surovell said. "Even now, his focus remains on service, transparency, and gratitude — the true marks of a public servant."
Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Lamont Bagby, a state senator from Henrico County, offered an upbeat tribute to the congressman, whose retirement is likely to trigger a political scramble in the heavily Democratic district. In his last four elections Connolly never received less than 66% of the vote.
"Congressman Connolly always brings unmatched intellect, wit, and passion to his work," Bagby said Monday. "He also brings incredible courage and determination in the face of every challenge, and we all know that cancer stands no chance against his fighting Irish spirit."
Connolly also received praise from the other side of the party aisle.
"I have no doubt that my colleague @GerryConnolly will continue to fight this terrible disease with the same spirit and tenacity he uses to fight for his constituents in Virginia’s 11th District," Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, said in an online statement. "He’s had an impressive public service career, and I will continue to pray for him and his family."
