Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia has died at the age of 75, according to a statement from his family.
“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.
On April 28, Connolly announced he was stepping down from some Congressional duties and not seeking re-election due to his battle with cancer of the esophagus. “After grueling treatments, we’ve learned the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. … The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress,” he said in a social media post.
Connolly, one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s 50 Most Influential in 2024, represented Virginia’s 11th District in Congress since 2009. Prior to his congressional seat, he served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1995 to 2009.
“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 statement from his family said. “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.”
Senators Warner and Kaine on the Passing of Gerry Connolly
In reaction to the news, Sen. Mark Warner posted a statement saying, “I am heartbroken over the loss of my dear friend Gerry Connolly. I’ve known Gerry for more than 35 years. To me, he exemplified the very best of public service. Just this past Sunday, I was honored to join his wife Smitty, daughter Caitlin, and the Fairfax community in celebrating his decades of service. While Gerry couldn’t be there in person, his presence was felt throughout the room. He was there in spirit, as he always is when people come together in the name of service and progress.”
Sen. Tim Kaine’s statement read: “My friend Gerry Connolly was a one of a kind public servant who never shied away from fighting for Northern Virginia and our country. 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.”
Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger’s Statement
Congresswoman and Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger released a statement that said in part: “Today, Virginia mourns a man who enlivened our politics, brought boundless energy to political debates, worked tirelessly to make the lives of his constituents better, and brought laughter to those around him. I feel incredibly lucky to have known, worked alongside, and learned from Congressman Gerry Connolly for many years; he led by example.
“He was ferocious in his devotion to his principles, the people he loved and served, and the ideals that drove his public service. However, even in the darkest of moments, he endeavored to bring a spark of joy, to remind us all that in challenges, there can be laughter and it can ground us for the fight and challenges ahead. He was a fighter and the type of man anyone would be lucky to have in their corner — relentless in his focus, but earnest in his motivations — and so many Virginians had him in their corner.”
Feature image by Emily Campos
