Gerry Connolly, a well-known Congressman from Northern Virginia, has died at 75 years old. He passed away on May 21, 2025, after dealing with esophageal cancer. His family shared that he had been bravely fighting the disease for some time.
🏛️ A Long Life in Public Service
Connolly spent decades serving his community, starting from local government and later working in Congress. He became a trusted leader and was respected by both sides of the political aisle.
👨💼 Key Moments in His Career:
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Started as a Fairfax County supervisor before moving to national politics.
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Elected to Congress in 2008 and served until his death.
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Worked hard for federal workers and public transportation in Virginia.
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Helped bring tech growth to Northern Virginia.
🔍 His Role in Congress
Over the years, Connolly took on important roles in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was especially active in oversight and reform efforts.
💼 What He Worked On:
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Supported the Telework Improvements Act to allow government employees to work from home.
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Helped pass laws to upgrade technology in government offices.
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Became the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee in 2024.
💔 A Personal Health Battle
In April 2025, Connolly announced that his cancer had come back. He shared that he would not run for re-election and would spend more time focusing on his health and family.
Even after this announcement, he continued working in Congress and stayed active in his role.
🌟 His Legacy
Gerry Connolly leaves behind a strong legacy. He made a real difference in areas like transportation, technology, and the well-being of government workers. He is remembered as someone who always stood up for his community.
His death marks the third time this year that a sitting House Democrat has passed away.
💬 Reactions from Others
Many people who worked with Connolly or were helped by him have shared their sadness and respect.
“He truly cared about the people he served. His voice will be missed,” one colleague said.
