Virginia Rep. Connolly says he will not seek reelection after cancer returns

[demmiblue]

Last edited Mon Apr 28, 2025, 12:43 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: WaPo

Connolly, a longtime liberal voice for Northern Virginia and the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, had been battling esophageal cancer.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Virginia), a longtime liberal voice representing Northern Virginia in Congress, announced Monday that he would not be seeking reelection next year after his esophageal cancer returned following treatment.

He said he would also be stepping back “soon” from his role as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, a role for which he had fought a fierce intraparty battle just a few months ago.

“The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress,” he wrote in an email to constituents. “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.”

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/04/28/gerry-connolly-reelection-cancer-oversight-virginia/

[BumRushDaShow]

1. I figured that was coming (gift link below)

https://wapo.st/4dbhvb3

[mcar]

2. Sorry to hear this.

He's been a stalwart Dem.

[RussBLib]

3. didn't Connolly just beat out AOC for a leadership post?

...time for another vote?

[Fiendish Thingy]

4. He can serve out his term

And then AOC can become Oversight Committee Chair once Dems retake the House in the 2026 midterms.

That will truly be a sight to behold.

[Grins]

6. He's stepping down. AOC can become chair this week.

Now, will the old guard let her…?

[Fiendish Thingy]

7. If they don't, it will be an egregious wrong and a slap in the face to young voters. Nt

[Celerity]

10. The moderate/centrist/conservadem blocs will stymie her once again I predict, with Pelosi probably aiding them. Jeffries

will likely stay neutral.

The giant donors (individual and corporate) do not want AOC anywhere near a major official leadership position.

I truly hope I am wrong with this prediction, and will gladly eat my words if I am.

[Fiendish Thingy]

11. Since she's not on the oversight committee, she won't get another shot until after the midterms

I hope the CPC backs her 100% in the next congress, which could look very different from the current one.

[4139]

8. Yep, in December

Connolly, 74, defeated 35-year-old Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a 131-84 vote to become the ranking member of the powerful committee.
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/gerry-connolly-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-house-oversight-committee/

[Hekate]

9. He ain't dead yet

[Docreed2003]

12. Yes

And some folks here suggested that maybe, given his health issues, this leadership position should go to someone else. Those folks were called ageists who didn't respect the leadership of the House🙄

[spooky3]

5. I hope he can recover and enjoy retirement. Nt