U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, 75, will be stepping back from some Congressional duties and will not seek re-election. He made the announcement Monday on social media.
Connolly, one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s 50 Most Influential in 2024, has represented Virginia’s 11th District in Congress since 2009. Prior to his congressional seat, he served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1995 to 2009.
He announced last November that he had been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. In Monday’s post Connolly said, “After grueling treatments, we’ve learned the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. … The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress.”
Connolly is a ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. He said he would be stepping back from that position soon.
Connolly thanked his constituents for their good wishes and compassion and said, “I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years.”
In reaction to the news, Sen. Mark Warner said in a statement that, “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. I have no doubt that Gerry will continue to fight — for his health, for his community, and for the causes he believes in.”
Sen. Tim Kaine said in a statement, “For decades, my friend Gerry Connolly has shown Virginia and the country how to fight for what is right — and no one has fought harder. I’m deeply moved by the way he has brought that same courage to his fight against cancer, and will do all I can to support him and his family.”
Feature image by Emily Campos
