Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly Announces Retirement as Cancer Returns

Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly has announced he will not seek re-election after revealing his cancer has returned. Connolly, a Democrat who has represented Virginia's 11th District for nine terms, shared the news with his constituents on Monday, stating he will also step down from his leadership role as ranking member of the House Oversight Committee.

Connolly first disclosed his esophageal cancer diagnosis about six months ago. Despite enduring tough treatments and some initial success, the cancer has come back. In a heartfelt statement, Connolly said, "The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress. I will be stepping back as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee soon. 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." Talk about going out with dignity—he's not just dropping the mic, he's giving a standing ovation to the crowd on his way out.

Support and well-wishes poured in quickly. Senator Mark Warner praised Connolly as "fiercely intelligent, deeply principled, and relentlessly committed" to his constituents, noting Connolly’s tenacity both in politics and his cancer battle. Connolly's district, which covers Fairfax County and the affluent suburbs outside Washington, D.C., has seen his influence for decades. He began his political journey as a Fairfax County supervisor in 1995 and has since become a key player in Congressional oversight investigations.

The 75-year-old congressman most recently secured his seat by defeating Republican Mike Van Meter, a Navy veteran and former FBI agent. With three decades under his belt in Northern Virginia politics, Connolly’s departure marks the end of an era in the region’s political scene. If there’s ever been a ‘who’s who’ of Northern Virginia, Connolly’s basically been the mayor of that guest list for years.