Remembering Rep. Gerry Connolly: A Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Dedication

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The political world is saying goodbye to U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly, who passed away at 75 after a long battle with esophageal cancer. A family statement released May 21 confirmed his death at his home in Mantua, Virginia surrounded by his loved ones.

Connolly, a Democrat representing Virginia’s 11th district, served in the U.S. House from 2009 until his death. Before Congress, he was a local leader and chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. His connection to Northern Virginia shaped decades of policy and progress in the region.

A Champion for Federal Workers and Infrastructure

Throughout his career, Connolly was known for advocating for federal employees, environmental protection, and infrastructure. He was instrumental in getting the Metrorail’s Silver Line to Dulles International Airport—a legacy of his long-term vision for sustainable transit and economic growth.

Connolly was also a key player in oversight, the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. In April 2025, after announcing a recurrence of cancer, he stepped down from leadership and said he would not run in 2026.

A Personal and Political Loss

He is survived by his wife Cathy Smith and daughter Caitlin. This is the third Democratic House member to die in 2025, following Reps. Sylvester Turner and Raúl Grijalva.

Connolly’s passing leaves a huge void in Virginia politics and the national conversation on the issues he cared about. His decades of public service were driven by a belief in good government, bipartisanship, and compassionate and integrity representation of his constituents.

In His Own Words

In his final appearances, Connolly was obvious and honest about his illness. But he remained optimistic about the country and public service. “We don’t choose the moments—we choose how to meet them,” he said in a floor speech. And meet them he did, with courage, intelligence, and a heart for the American people. RIP

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