Latest news with #FairfaxCountyBoardofSupervisors
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Youngkin announces separate flag orders for Monday and Tuesday
RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – On Friday, May 23, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued two separate flag orders. The first recognizes Memorial Day. The governor ordered that Virginia and U.S. flags be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings from sunrise on Monday, May 26 until noon. We remember with profound gratitude the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of our country. Pursuant to § 2.2-3310.1 of the Code of Virginia, all agencies and institutions of the Commonwealth shall display the POW/MIA flag on public buildings on Memorial Day in honor and remembrance of the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces who are or were prisoners of war or reported missing in action. Excerpt from Gov. Youngkin order Gerry Connolly, a Democratic congressman and fixture of Virginia politics, dies at 75 Gov. Youngkin also ordered flags be flown at half-staff in memory and respect of Congressman Gerald E. 'Gerry' Connolly. Connolly died Wednesday at the age of 75. We recognize Congressman Connolly's deep commitment to Virginia through his decades of distinguished public service, including his time on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and in the United States House of Representatives for the 11th District. Excerpt from Gov. Youngkin order The governor ordered that flags be lowered at sunrise on Tuesday, May 27, and remain at half-staff until sunset in memory of Congressman Connolly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Gerry was a fighter': Lawmakers mourn death of Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. () — Several lawmakers across the D.C. area are reflecting on the life of Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) after his familyhis death Wednesday morning. Connolly, who was elected to Virginia's 11th District and served as the senior Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, died less than a month after announcing that he due to the return of his cancer. Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly dies nearly month after announcing plans to step down He has held the seat for Virginia's 11th District, which includes Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax, since 2008, and was Before his election to Congress, he served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for 14 years, including five years as chairman. 'My friend Gerry Connolly was a one of a kind public servant who never shied away from fighting for Northern Virginia and our country,' said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in a statement, regarding Connolly's death. 'I will miss his voice on the many issues that were lucky to benefit from his steadfast leadership, from delivering the congressional oversight the American people deserve and protecting NATO, to standing up for the many federal workers who call Virginia home and securing once-in-a-generation transportation infrastructure investments.' 'His legacy will live on through all that he accomplished throughout his decades of public service and the countless people he inspired along the way,' he continued. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) also recognized Connolly for his public service, referring to him as a 'giant in Virginia's public life' who will 'be deeply missed.' 'I cannot imagine the House without Gerry': Lawmakers react after Virginia Rep. Connolly says he wont seek reelection, citing health 'Gerry was a fighter. His sharp mind, boundless energy, and deep commitment to the people of Northern Virginia made him a force to be reckoned with, whether on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors or in Congress,' he said. 'He met every challenge with tenacity and purpose, including his final battle with cancer, which he faced with courage, grace, and quiet dignity.' On the other side of the political aisle, Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin also took a moment to remember the congressman, emphasizing that his decades of public service reflect a deep commitment to the state. 'Suzanne and I send our heartfelt prayers to his family, friends, and all who mourn his loss,' Youngkin said, Across state lines, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) acknowledged not only Connolly's advocacy but also his fight against cancer, which each year. 'As a fellow cancer survivor, I understand the strength it takes to fight that battle, and Gerry faced it with resolve and grace,' Ivey said, in part, in on X. 'His legacy of public service, from defending civil servants to pushing for a more just immigration system, will continue to inspire us.' Also , Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) called the news 'heartbreaking.' 'I've had the good fortune of working with Gerry in different capacities for over 40 yrs,' wrote Van Hollen. 'Much changed during that time, but one thing was constant: Gerry was always an unafraid fighter for the common good at home & abroad.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Virginia Democratic Rep Gerry Connolly dead at 75
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., has passed away following a bitter cancer battle, his family announced on Wednesday. The lawmaker announced his initial diagnosis with esophageal cancer more than six months ago. He was 75 years old and had stepped back from his roles in Congress at the end of April. "It is with immense sadness that we share that our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family," his family announced in a statement. "Gerry lived his life to give back to others and make our community better. He looked out for the disadvantaged and voiceless. He always stood up for what is right and just," the family added. "He was a skilled statesman on the international stage, an accomplished legislator in Congress, a visionary executive on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, a fierce defender of democracy, an environmental champion, and a mentor to so many." Biden Speaks Out For First Time Since Cancer Diagnosis Connolly's colleagues mourned the congressman's passing in statements soon after news of his death was made public. Read On The Fox News App "I am heartbroken by the passing of my friend and colleague, Congressman Gerry Connolly. Gerry was a devoted public servant who spent over three decades serving the people of Virginia and our nation with unmatched dedication and purpose," Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, said in a statement. "Gerry's legacy is one of intellect, integrity, and relentless dedication to the people of Virginia's 11th District and to our allies abroad. His absence will be deeply felt, both in Congress and on the international stage," Turner added. Sen. Mark Warner, a fellow Virginia Democrat, also shared his condolences with the Connolly family, saying he had known the lawmaker for more than 35 years. "Gerry was a fighter. His sharp mind, boundless energy, and deep commitment to the people of Northern Virginia made him a force to be reckoned with, whether on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors or in Congress. He met every challenge with tenacity and purpose, including his final battle with cancer, which he faced with courage, grace, and quiet dignity," Warner said. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., paused a House Rules Committee meeting for a moment of prayer upon learning of Connolly's death. The longtime congressman's death comes amid a heated battle in Congress over President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill." His death means Democrats have one less vote with which to block the legislation. Dems Fume Over 'Due Process' For Abrego Garcia Despite Long History Of Party Bucking The Legal Principle Connolly had stepped back from his leadership roles in Congress and announced he would not run for re-election after revealing that his cancer had returned at the end of April. He served as ranking member on the House Oversight Committee. Connolly was serving his ninth term in the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 11th District, according to his online biography. His district is centered in Fairfax County and includes the wealthy suburbs outside the nation's capital. Connolly won his latest term by defeating Republican Mike Van Meter, a Navy veteran and former FBI agent. Connolly has been a fixture in northern Virginia politics for roughly 30 years. He was first elected as a Fairfax County supervisor in 1995. In Congress, he has played a leading role in oversight investigations. Fox News' Pilar Arias and Liz Elkind contributed to this article source: Virginia Democratic Rep Gerry Connolly dead at 75
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rep. Gerry Connolly, top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, dies at 75
WASHINGTON — Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee known for his vocal advocacy of federal workers and his frequent clashes with Republicans during televised hearings, died Wednesday morning, his family said. He was 75. His death comes less than a year after he won a competitive race to become the ranking member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, one of the key panels that are charged with keeping a check on the executive branch. He announced in April that his esophageal cancer had returned despite 'grueling treatments,' and that he would not be running for re-election in 2026. 'Gerry lived his life to give back to others and make our community better. He looked out for the disadvantaged and voiceless. He always stood up for what is right and just. He was a skilled statesman on the international stage, an accomplished legislator in Congress, a visionary executive on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, a fierce defender of democracy, an environmental champion, and a mentor to so many,' his family said in a statement announcing his death. 'But more important than his accomplishments in elected office, Gerry lived by the ethos of 'bloom where you are planted.' From the Silver Line to the Oakton Library, Mosaic District to the Cross County Trail and beyond, his legacy now colors our region.' Connolly is the third House Democrat to die in office during the past three months. Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Texas, suddenly died on March 5, shortly after attending President Donald Trump's address to Congress. And longtime Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., died on March 13 after his own cancer diagnosis. Connolly's death means Republicans now hold a 220-212 majority in the House. Before elected office, Connolly worked as a Democratic staffer on the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, including for one of its members, then-Sen. Joe Biden, of Delaware. In 1995, Connolly won a seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., and served for 14 years, including the last five as board chairman. When GOP Rep. Tom Davis announced he would not run for re-election in 2008, Connolly jumped into the race to succeed him. Connolly cruised to victory in his primary and then easily defeated his GOP opponent. He won re-election eight times in Virginia's 11th district, which sits in the affluent suburbs outside of the nation's capital and includes Fairfax County. Virignia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, will need to call a special election to fill the vacant, deep-blue House seat, according to state law. After the 2024 election, when Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., announced he would step down as the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee to run for the ranking member job on the Judiciary Committee, Connolly threw his hat in the ring. He faced an insurgent challenge from progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., 35. With the backing of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Connolly defeated Ocasio-Cortez in a closely watched 131-84 vote. Doctors had aggressively tried to treat his cancer, but last month Connolly said his cancer had returned and that he would be stepping away from day-to-day duties leading Oversight Committee Democrats. He asked a senior member of the panel, Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., to step into the role on an interim basis and endorsed him to replace him. Democrats will now need to fill the Oversight Committee job in the coming weeks. In addition to Lynch, Reps. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, and Robert Garcia, D-Calif., are among those who have been reaching out to colleagues about running for the ranking member spot. In a statement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., remembered Connolly for his oversight work, foreign policy expertise — including serving twice as president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly — his defense of federal workers, and his wit. 'Even as he battled a difficult cancer diagnosis, Ranking Member Connolly continued to push back against the unprecedented attacks on the federal workers in his district and across the country,' Jeffries said. 'In addition to his legislative wisdom, Gerry always brought his signature mirth and wit to the House, making even something like proxy voting a point of levity during an otherwise challenging time in our nation.'This article was originally published on
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rep. Gerry Connolly, 75, has died, family statement says
Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia died on Wednesday morning, according to a statement from his family. He was 75. 'It is with immense sadness that we share that our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family,' the statement said. Last month, Connolly announced that he would not seek reelection and would soon step down from his leadership position on the powerful House Oversight Committee. Connolly said at the time that his esophageal cancer — a diagnosis he shared in November — had returned. 'When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency. After grueling treatments, we've learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. I'll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace,' he said in a statement at the time. Connolly has served as a congressman from Virginia's 11th district, which includes parts of northern Virginia, since 2009. Before that, he served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for 14 years. The statement from Connolly's family on Wednesday added: 'Gerry lived his life to give back to others and make our community better. He looked out for the disadvantaged and voiceless. He always stood up for what is right and just.' 'His absence will leave a hole in our hearts, but we are proud that his life's work will endure for future generations. We thank you for your love of Gerry, and know he loved you all so much.' This is a developing story and will be updated.
