U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly has cancer of the esophagus, he told constituents Thursday in social media posts.
Connolly, who has represented Virginia’s 11th District in Congress since 2009 and easily won reelection to a ninth House term on Tuesday, wrote in a letter that his diagnosis came a few days ago. “I have cancer of the esophagus. It was a surprise because, except for some intermittent abdominal aches and pains, I had no symptoms,” he said.
Connolly, 74, said he will now undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy. “Cancer can be tough. But so am I. I will attack this the only way I know how — with Irish fight and humor,” he wrote.
The congressman said he is confident there will be a successful outcome, but said he “may be a bit fatigued due to the treatment” as he continues to work on Capitol Hill and in his district.
“I hope you’ll understand. Be assured I’m full of hope and am sustained by the love, support and encouragement of my family, friends, and of all of you,” he said.
A note to my constituents: pic.twitter.com/B1rh43OHoq
— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) November 7, 2024
Connolly, one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s 50 Most Influential, is known for attending multiple events across his district when he is not in Washington, DC. He told the magazine this fall that he takes a pragmatic approach to solving problems.
U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine called Connolly “a fighter.”
“We have no doubt that he will approach this challenge with the same determination and grit that has defined his public service,” the two said in a joint statement.
“As his colleagues and friends, we stand by him every step of the way. Gerry’s courage and determination inspire us all, and we look forward to working with him as he continues to do what he does best — fighting for his constituents and for the values we all share.”
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) November 7, 2024
According to the American Cancer Society, men are more likely to get esophageal cancer. About one in 127 in men and about one in 434 in women are at risk of getting it. In 2024, the society estimates that roughly 22,370 new esophageal cancer cases will be diagnosed. Of those, 17,690 will be in men and 4,680 in women.
Before serving in Congress, Connolly, whose name is almost synonymous with Northern Virginia, served 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five as chair.
Feature image by Emily Campos
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