Ugh, this really sucks; VERY sorry to hear it for a bunch of reasons, including that Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA11) is a strong fighter for democracy, for Ukraine, for NATO, for everything most of us care about, and it’s really unfortunate that we’ll be losing his powerful voice in Congress. Anyway, thanks to Gerry Connolly for his tremendous service, courage, tenacity, integrity, etc. for many years, and best of luck with your health going forward!
P.S. Rep. Connolly, now 75 years old, was first elected to the US House from VA11 in 2008 (first winning a Democratic primary over former Rep. Leslie Byrne, then defeating Republican Keith Fimian by over 10 points), having served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (Providence District) since 1995, including about five years (until January 2009) as chair. Connolly’s closest reelection was in 2010, a terrible year for Democrats nationally, when he was almost defeated by Fimian. Since then, he’s been reelected easily every two years, rising in seniority in the US House, and serving on the Foreign Affairs and Oversight/Reform Committees. For Connolly’s political positions and some of his key votes, click here. In November 2024, Rep. Connolly announced that he’d been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, but was optimistic that he’d beat it with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Unfortunately, that doesn’t appear to have been the case…
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Connolly Issues Updated Open Letter to Constituents
Fairfax, VA – Congressman Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA) released the following open letter to his constituents:
Dear Friends,
I want to begin by thanking you for your good wishes and compassion as I continue to tackle my diagnosis. Your outpouring of love and support has given me strength in my fights – both against cancer and in our collective defense of democracy.
When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency. 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.
The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress. I will be stepping back as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee soon. 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. My loving family and staff sustain me. My extended family – you all have been a joy to serve.
Your friend and public servant,
Gerry Connolly
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