‘I cannot imagine the House without Gerry': Lawmakers react after Virginia Rep. Connolly says he wont seek reelection, citing health
VIRGINIA () — Several Virginia lawmakers are speaking out after Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) announced Monday that , citing the return of his cancer.
In November 2024, that he had recently been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. His announcement came just days after he was reelected to Virginia's 11th District.
'It was a surprise because, except for some intermittent abdominal aches and pains, I had no symptoms. I'm going to undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy right away,' Connolly said in a statement at the time.
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Now, nearly six months later, Connolly said he won't be seeking reelection and will soon be stepping back in his role as the ranking member on the House Oversight Committee.
'After grueling treatments, we've learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned,' wrote Connolly, in part, in a statement on X. 'I'll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.'
'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,' he continued. '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. My loving family and staff sustain me. My extended family- you all have been a joy to serve.'
Connolly has held the seat for Virginia's 11th District, which includes Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax, since 2008, and is Before his election to Congress, he served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for 14 years, including five years as chairman.
'Northern Virginia is a better place for Gerry Connolly's decision to enter public service. He has left an indelible mark on Fairfax County, our region, our Commonwealth, and our country as a tireless advocate for our federal workforce, the U.S. Postal Service, and our public transit system,' Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), said in a statement, following Connolly's announcement. 'He served his constituents faithfully, was a vigorous fighter for government reform, and remains one of the most effective legislators in either party.
'I cannot imagine the House without Gerry. We have been friends for many years, but for the past decade our partnership was an essential starting point from which so much important work followed,' he continued. 'I deeply respect Gerry's decision to put his constituents first by stepping back, but I will miss him terribly in Congress.'
Former Democratic congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger also expressed support, saying Connolly has worked to grow the Democratic party in Northern Virginia and 'stood up for Virginians' throughout his career.
'From his distinguished tenure as both a Supervisor and Chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to his leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, Virginians know that Congressman Connolly has dedicated his career to getting things done for them — for us,' said Spanberger. 'I'm personally grateful for the privilege of knowing Gerry, learning from him, and laughing with him.'
'He frequently jokes of the little devil on his shoulder that encourages his wry wit and brings about rooms full of laughter, but it's his giant heart that has led him in his public service,' she added.
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Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) also praised Connolly, not only as a public servant but also as a friend.
'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,' Warner 'I have no doubt that Gerry will continue to fight- for his health, for his community, and for the causes he believes in.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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