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Shop NowThe top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has announced that he will not be running for reelection after his cancer returned.
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), who defeated socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to become the top Democrat on the oversight panel in December, announced on April 28 that his esophageal cancer had “returned” and he would not be seeking reelection. The 75-year-old senator has been in office since 2008.
Connolly first revealed his diagnosis in November 2024 soon after the election, telling the public that he had been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and was not experienced symptoms other than some “intermittent” abdominal aches and pains. At that time, he vowed to continue working in Congress while undergoing treatment.
He announced on April 28 that the cancer had returned, and thus he was planning to step down from Congress and his role on the House Oversight Committee, though he promised to finish his term.
Connolly began this announcement, which he addressed to “friends,” by thanking everyone for their “good wishes and compassion as I continue to tackle my diagnosis. Your outpouring of love and support has given me strength in my fights – both against cancer and in our collective defense of democracy.”
“When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency,” Connolly explained in the statement. “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.”
“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 added. “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 received well-wishes on social media from colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
“Thank you, Ranking Member [Connolly], for your decades of service. It’s been an honor to work with you on [Oversight Democrats], where your leadership has helped bring transparency and accountability to the new administration. Keeping you in my prayers,” Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH) wrote in a post on X.
Thank you, Ranking Member @GerryConnolly , for your decades of service. It’s been an honor to work with you on @OversightDems, where your leadership has helped bring transparency and accountability to the new administration. Keeping you in my prayers. 🙏🏿 https://t.co/71Rffi0DY9
— Rep. Shontel Brown (@RepShontelBrown) April 28, 2025
“Although we may differ passionately on many topics, we can unite on one truth: cancer sucks. I extend my heartfelt wishes to my colleague [Connolly] for strength, fortitude, and energy in his battle against cancer,” Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) wrote.
Although we may differ passionately on many topics, we can unite on one truth: cancer sucks. I extend my heartfelt wishes to my colleague @GerryConnolly for strength, fortitude, and energy in his battle against cancer. https://t.co/5MQ5cmf3qd
— Kat Cammack (@Kat_Cammack) April 28, 2025
According to sources who spoke with Punchbowl News, when Connolly steps aside from being the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) will be taking over the role “for now.”
