Washington, D.C. has been struck with some stunning news. This was the last thing anyone was predicting would happen.
And a devastating diagnosis has sent this congressman into retirement.
Rep. Gerry Connolly Steps Down from House Oversight Committee Amid Cancer Battle
In a heartfelt announcement on Monday, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) revealed he will step down from his influential position as ranking member of the House Oversight Committee due to a recurring battle with esophageal cancer.
The decision opens the door for a new contender to fill a role that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent “Squad” member, sought but did not secure last year.
Connolly, 75, who narrowly surpassed Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) for the top Democratic spot on the committee in December, shared that he will relinquish his leadership role “soon” and will not seek re-election in 2026.
“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,” Connolly stated.
Reflecting on his tenure, he added, “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.”
An updated note to my constituents: pic.twitter.com/snhaVQK8iK
— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) April 28, 2025
First elected to Congress in 2008, Connolly disclosed his cancer diagnosis in November. His competition with Ocasio-Cortez for the Oversight Committee’s ranking member position followed Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-Md.) move to the House Judiciary Committee.
Despite Ocasio-Cortez, 35, serving as Raskin’s deputy, Democratic colleagues favored Connolly, bolstered by support from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Progressive advocates outside Congress championed Ocasio-Cortez, expressing frustration when she was overlooked.
Ocasio-Cortez has since left the Oversight Committee, though fellow “Squad” members—Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and Summer Lee (D-Pa.)—remain.
According to Axios, Connolly has privately discussed his replacement with Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), the third most-senior Democrat on the committee behind Connolly and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.). Other potential candidates for the role include Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.).
The ranking member position is a stepping stone for an ambitious Democrat, potentially positioning them to chair the committee if the party regains control of the House in the 2026 midterms.
The Oversight Committee has been a key platform for the opposition, as seen in current Chairman James Comer’s (R-Ky.) probes into the Biden family’s international business activities.
Connolly’s announcement comes amid a challenging period for House Democrats, following the recent passing of Reps. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) and Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) last month.
Additionally, Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) has been absent from Congress after experiencing “an emergency medical event” earlier this April.
As Connolly prepares to step back, his legacy reflects decades of service and a commitment to his constituents, even as he faces a personal health battle.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
