Rep. Gerry Connolly steps down as top Oversight Democrat and won’t seek reelection as cancer returns

By LEAH ASKARINAM WASHINGTON AP Rep Gerry Connolly of Virginia declared on Monday he is stepping down as the top Democrat on the powerful House Oversight Committee and will not be seeking reelection next year due to his cancer returning ending his long career in citizens life Related Articles Another federal judge expresses skepticism over Trump law firm executive orders Tech industry tried reducing AI s pervasive bias Now Trump wants to end its woke AI efforts Former Jan prosecutor warns Trump s pardons could encourage future political violence In first days Trump struggles to make good on promises to promptly end Ukraine and Gaza wars Loss of FEMA undertaking spells tragedy for hundreds of communities and their projects The sun is setting on my time in community arrangement Connolly announced in a declaration With no rancor and a full heart I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we ve accomplished together over years Connolly has served in Congress since and represents northern Virginia including Fairfax County House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries D-N Y noted in a declaration that Connolly has been a relentless advocate for the incredible civil servants in his district during the Trump administration s unprecedented attacks on federal employees Sen Mark Warner a fellow Virginia Democrat lauded Connolly for his toughness Whether it s standing up for federal workers advocating for good governance or now confronting cancer with the same resilience and grit that have defined his life of society provision Gerry is one of the toughest fighters I know Warner reported in a report Connolly revealed late last year that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and would undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy He reported that after grueling treatments he learned that the cancer has returned Concerns about Connolly s wellbeing were a factor late last year as he ran for the top ranking position on Oversight one of the preponderance prominent committees in Congress Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez D-N Y ran against Connolly for the job but was defeated as the majority of Democrats opted to stick with the seniority system Connolly has served on the Oversight Committee for more than years