Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, has passed away.

He was 75.

“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,” a statement from his family read.

“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. He was a skilled statesman on the international stage, an accomplished legislator in Congress, a visionary executive on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, a fierce defender of democracy, an environmental champion, and a mentor to so many,” it continued.

“We were fortunate to share Gerry with Northern Virginia for nearly 40 years because that was his joy, his purpose, and his passion. His absence will leave a hole in our hearts, but we are proud that his life’s work will endure for future generations,” it added.

pic.twitter.com/jpWKyDUzEN

— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) May 21, 2025

Per NBC News:

Connolly is the third House Democrat to die in office during the past three months. Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Texas, suddenly died on March 5, shortly after attending President Donald Trump’s address to Congress. And longtime Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., died on March 13 after his own cancer diagnosis.

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Connolly’s death means Republicans now hold a 220-212 majority in the House.

Before elected office, Connolly worked as a Democratic staffer on the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, including for one of its members, then-Sen. Joe Biden, of Delaware. In 1995, Connolly won a seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., and served for 14 years, including the last five as board chairman.

When GOP Rep. Tom Davis announced he would not run for re-election in 2008, Connolly jumped into the race to succeed him. Connolly cruised to victory in his primary and then easily defeated his GOP opponent.

Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia has died at the age of 75 after a battle with esophageal cancer. Connolly served as the top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform until late last month. pic.twitter.com/3iAtoi0vie

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 21, 2025

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly. His decades of public service reflect a deep commitment to Virginia. Suzanne and I send our heartfelt prayers to his family, friends, and all who mourn his loss,” Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly. His decades of public service reflect a deep commitment to Virignia. Suzanne and I send our heartfelt prayers to his family, friends, and all who mourn his loss.

— Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) May 21, 2025

ABC News reports:

Just last month, Connolly said he was stepping down from the top Democratic position on the influential House Oversight Committee because his cancer had returned. Connolly had defeated New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the committee chair in December.

He had been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus in November.

“When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency,” he said in his statement last month. “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.”