Rep. Gerry Connolly Dies at 75 After Battle with Cancer
Virginia Democratic Congressman Gerry Connolly passed away on May 21, 2025, at age 75 following a battle with esophageal cancer. The longtime public servant died in Fairfax County, Virginia, where he had served the community for decades before his nine terms in Congress.
Political Career and Public Service
Connolly represented Virginia’s 11th Congressional District since 2009, serving Northern Virginia residents for nearly two decades in Congress. Before his time in Washington, he spent 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as chairman.
Connolly was known for his effective legislative work, particularly his co-authorship of the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) in 2014. He also championed federal workers’ rights and telework policies, securing important transportation funding for Northern Virginia projects.
Most recently, Connolly served as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee and was a respected voice on foreign affairs, having previously led the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
Early Life and Path to Politics
Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1950, Connolly earned his bachelor’s degree from Maryknoll College in 1971 and later completed a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School in 1979.
His public service career began with work on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, where he managed international economic issues and Middle East policies. He is survived by his wife Cathy Smith and daughter Caitlin.
Tributes Pour In From Across Political Spectrum
Following news of his death, colleagues from both parties offered condolences and tributes.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) called Connolly a “fierce champion of federal workers, public integrity, and the people of Virginia,” while Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) described him as someone who “exemplified the very best of public service.”
Even political opponents recognized his contributions, with House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) calling Connolly a “dedicated public servant” who represented his district with “honor and integrity.”
Legacy of Service
Throughout his career, Connolly was a passionate advocate for federal employees, transportation improvements, and government accountability. His work securing funding for major projects like the Silver Line Metro extension transformed Northern Virginia’s infrastructure.
His ability to work across the aisle while standing firm on his principles earned respect from both Democrats and Republicans. As tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear his impact will be felt in Virginia politics and national governance for years to come.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted Connolly’s “deep commitment to Virginia” that spanned decades of public service.
