Rep. Gerry Connolly’s family announced on X that the congressman died Wednesday morning.
“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 the post read. “His absence will leave a hole in our hearts, but we are proud that his life’s work will endure for future generations.”
Connolly, a Democrat who had served in Congress since 2009, first made his esophageal cancer diagnosis public after the 2024 election, but was responding well to treatment. He then announced in April that the cancer had returned and he would not seek re-election to his seat.