¸é±õ°ä±á²Ñ°¿±·¶ÙÌý— a pugnacious defender of federal workers in his , died on Wednesday morning after a renewed battle with esophageal cancer.
Connolly, 75, who has represented the district since 2009, was first diagnosed with cancer shortly after winning his ninth term in Congress in November. He promised then to fight the disease "the only way I know how — with Irish fight and humor," but he announced late last month that he would not seek re-election next year because the cancer had returned.
He said he also would step down as ranking Democrat on the
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Connolly's family announced his death with a statement on Wednesday morning that the congressman had "passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family."
"Gerry lived his life to give back to others and make our community better," the statement said. "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."
"But more important than his accomplishments in elected office, Gerry lived by the ethos of “bloom where you are planted,†it said. "From the Silver Line" of the Metro subway network "to the Oakton Library, Mosaic District, to the Cross County Trail and beyond, his legacy now colors our region."
"We were fortunate to share Gerry with Northern Virginia for nearly 40 years because that was his joy, his purpose, and his passion," the family said. "His absence will leave a hole in our hearts, but we are proud that his life’s work will endure for future generations. We thank you for your love of Gerry, and know he loved you all so much.â€
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., told news media on a Zoom call on Wednesday that he was serving on Richmond City Council when he met Connolly, a member of the Fairfax board, 30 years ago. Kaine said they shared a heritage as Irish Catholics, and missionary work, as well as a love of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor and writer executed by the Nazi regime. They also worked together closely on extending the Metro transit system to Washington Dulles International Airport and into Loudoun County.
When Kaine was considering whether to run for a third Senate term in 2022, he said Connolly called him and took him out to breakfast. "He took a very older brother approach to his younger brother and really gave me a lecture about why I should run again," he said.
He spoke to Connolly several weeks ago after the congressman announced that he would not seek re-election because the cancer had returned. Connolly's voice was uncharacteristically weak, Kaine said, so his death was not a surprise.
"Gerry's going to have a successor, but he won't have a replacement," Kaine said, with tears welling in his eyes.
Praise for Connolly came from elected officials in Congress, Fairfax County and Richmond, with statements from Gov. Glenn Youngkin and House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said in a statement that Connolly "exemplified the very best of public service."
He added: "We have lost a giant in Virginia public life, and he will be deeply missed.â€
Youngkin said in a statement: "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."
Connolly is the second Virginia congressman to die in office in recent years. Rep. Donald McEachin, D-4th, died in late 2022 after a long battle with the effects of colorectal cancer. State Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, won a special election early the next year to succeed him.
There was no word on Wednesday about the timing of a special election to choose a successor to Connolly.Â
Three Democrats and one Republican already had jumped into the race to succeed Connolly next year.
The congressman had endorsed his former chief of staff James Walkinshaw, who represents Braddock District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, to become the Democratic nominee. State Sen. Stella Pekarsky, D-Fairfax, also announced her candidacy, along with Candice Bennett, an at-large member of the Fairfax planning commission.
Republican Mike Van Meter, who lost to Connolly in the general election last year, is running for the seat again.
