Rep. Gerry Connolly, the ranking Democrat on the powerful House Oversight Committee, announced he will “soon” step down from his role and won’t run for reelection because his cancer has returned.
“The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress. I will be stepping back as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee soon,” Connolly said in a statement. “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.”
Connolly, 75, who was first elected in 2009, defeated Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, 35, for the committee chair in December as the younger representative attempted to bring in a new generation of leadership.
Connolly announced he had been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus in November.
“When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency,” he said in his statement Monday. “After grueling treatments, 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.”
Connolly has served on the Oversight Committee since his first term and has led Democrats on the subcommittee on government operations since 2013. He won the chair vote, 131-84, according to multiple Democratic sources, cementing his role in one of the most high-profile positions in Washington to combat the Trump administration and a unified Republican majority in Congress.
Should Democrats win back control of the House in 2026,
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez no longer serves on the Oversight Committee, so there would be challenges to overcome should she decide to mount another bid. Still, Connolly’s departure could pave the way for a younger leader as older Democrats continue to announce retirements in the wake of the 2024 election loss, which saw the issue of age at the forefront.
Sen. Dick Durbin, the Democratic whip and ranking member on the Judiciary Committee, announced last week that he would not seek reelection.
“In my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch,” Durbin said in the video posted on X. “The threats to our democracy and way of life are real, and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to fight for Illinois and the future of our country every day of my remaining time in the Senate.”
Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith and Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan have also announced they won’t run again in 2026.
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