Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly Dies at 75 After Battling Cancer
May 21, 2025 — Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia, a veteran of decades in Congress, died today at 75 after battling esophageal cancer. Connolly died at his home in Fairfax County with loved ones by his side.
Connolly had served Virginia’s 11th Congressional District since 2009, after ten years on Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, serving as its chairman for six years. A public service aficionado, Connolly was a high-profile champion of federal employees, infrastructure investment, and environmental conservation.
In November 2024, Connolly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. After treatment, he revealed in April 2025 that cancer had returned, leading him to step down as the senior Democrat on the House Oversight Committee and to indicate that he would not seek reelection. In a gracious letter to his constituents, he explained, “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.“