Rep. Gerry Connolly Not Running for Reelection Due to Cancer Returning
In November, Connolly told his constituents about his diagnosis of cancer of the esophagus.
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) announced he will not seek reelection in 2026 due to his cancer returning.
“When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency,” Connolly wrote. “After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned.”
Connolly added: “I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.”
In November, Connolly told his constituents about his diagnosis of cancer of the esophagus.
Connolly started chemotherapy and immunotherapy right away.
“The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress,” continued Connolly. “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.”
🚨🚨BREAKING NEWS — GERRY CONNOLLY announces he's not running for re-election and stepping down as ranking member of Oversight.
Connolly's cancer has returned. pic.twitter.com/lfsjugHFn1
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) April 28, 2025
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Comments
I thought you said hes not running???!!
He isn’t. What are you confused about?
Cancer attacks itself?
He is not my congressman (that is Don Beyer), but good riddance anyway.
He should step down now, not in 2.5 years.
It would be only 1.5+ years… But that decision is ultimately guided by how his replacement is determined according to VA law. Could a D hold the seat in a special election? If the governor gets to appoint someone? Maybe others knowledgeable in such things could enlighten us.
It’s got nothing to do with VA law. If he were to resign an election would have to be held for his seat.
How could you even suppose that a state governor, elected by the whole state, could appoint a replacement for someone elected by one district? How could that possibly be?
But regardless of how he would be replaced, why on earth should he resign early?
Of course VA law applies. Can a governor slow down a special election, keeping a seat open for months. That was discussed in NY and seems on-going in Texas
Slow down, can be for months, not years. With this long to go until the next general election, eventually he has to call an election.
The seat is solid D. The last time it was close was 2010, and last year Connolly got 2/3 of the vote. There is no question that the Ds would win a special election. But why should there be one, when he is still capable of doing the job, and wants to? He was elected fair and square and is entitled to remain in the job for as long as he can.
There is no appointing for House. Constitutionally it has to be an election (special or regular).
A friend, aged 69, recently passed of esophageal cancer. It took him in less than 16 months. I have no love for Connolly, but I wouldn’t wish that disease on almost anyone.
I wouldn’t wish the past 30 years of Dem scheming on anyone.
It is a nasty cancer and I wish him a full recovery.
I will pray for his healing and wish him well.
If he resigned, a special election would be scheduled and the Ds would hold the seat. The district is a swath of the closer-in DC suburbs.
Unlike Senate seats, House seats can only be filled by holding elections. No appointments allowed.
I’m guessing, though, he will try to hang on through this term.
Of course no appointments allowed. Youngkin doesn’t represent the 11th district.