Democratic Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly announced Monday that he will not seek reelection and will resign as the top Democrat on the powerful House Oversight Committee.
Connolly, 74, explained his decision to retire in light of his esophageal cancer diagnosis, which he said had returned. The Virginia Democrat defeated New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the top spot on the House Oversight Committee in January, which outlets had described as a generational fight in the Democratic Party.
“When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency,” Connolly wrote in a statement posted to X on Monday. “After grueling treatment, 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,” Connolly added.
“I’m saddened to hear that Ranking Member Connolly’s cancer has returned. He is a steadfast public servant who has spent his career serving Northern Virginians with honor and integrity,” House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said in a statement. “It’s an honor to serve the American people alongside him and I am rooting for him as he battles cancer once again. Our prayers are with Ranking Member Connolly and his family.”
It is not immediately clear who will replace Connolly to serve as the lead Democrat on the oversight panel. Ocasio-Cortez no longer serves on the committee following her failed bid against Connolly for the ranking member position.
Well-known House Democrats that are members of the oversight panel include Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett and California Democratic Reps. Robert Garcia and Ro Khanna.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect Rep. Comer’s statement.
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