Gerry Connolly, Longtime Virginia Congressman, Dies at 75/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Veteran Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly, a key voice in Virginia and federal reform, died at 75. Connolly served over 16 years in Congress and led major transit and tech initiatives. He announced his retirement last year after a cancer diagnosis.
Gerry Connolly: Quick Looks
- Died at age 75 at home, surrounded by family.
- Served over 16 years in Congress, representing Virginia’s 11th District.
- Held ranking role on the House Oversight Committee.
- Led transformation of Tysons Corner into a modern business hub.
- Championed the Silver Line metro extension to Dulles Airport.
- Co-sponsored telework and federal IT reform legislation.
- Criticized Trump administration’s handling of USPS and federal staffing.
- Beat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to become Oversight Committee ranking member.
- Announced cancer diagnosis and retirement in 2024.
- Remembered as a spirited, principled, and persistent public servant.
Deep Look: Rep. Gerry Connolly, Virginia Political Pillar, Dies at 75
RICHMOND, Va. — May 21, 2025 — U.S. Rep. Gerald “Gerry” Connolly, a tireless advocate for government accountability and modernization who represented Northern Virginia in Congress for over 16 years, died Wednesday at his home at the age of 75. Surrounded by his family, Connolly passed away after a public battle with esophageal cancer.
A fixture in Virginia politics for over three decades, Connolly first made his mark on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, where he led ambitious efforts to revitalize Tysons Corner from a congested retail area into a thriving business district.
Transit Visionary and Local Leader
In his time on the county board—elected in 1995 and later chairman in 2003—Connolly championed one of Northern Virginia’s most transformative infrastructure projects: the Silver Line of the Washington Metro. His push brought billions in federal and state investment, connecting Tysons Corner to the Dulles International Airport by rail.
“Doing big things is difficult — the world is filled with naysayers,” Connolly said in 2022 when the extension opened.
Congressional Career and Federal Reforms
Connolly launched his Congressional career in 2008, flipping a Republican-held seat in Virginia’s 11th District. He quickly built a reputation for government reform, legislative detail, and fiery rhetoric.
As a member of the House Oversight and Foreign Affairs Committees, Connolly pushed for modernization and transparency, often clashing with political opponents.
Among his most impactful efforts were the 2010 Telework Enhancement Act—which opened remote work opportunities for federal employees—and federal IT modernization legislation that reportedly saved the government billions.
Political Style and Voice for Accountability
Connolly was known for his sharp wit and unflinching commentary. During one congressional hearing, he challenged Republican criticisms of the IRS by invoking The Crucible, asking whether opponents had read Arthur Miller’s famous play about mass hysteria.
His drive to modernize government earned praise even from political adversaries, while his critiques of the Trump administration’s handling of the U.S. Postal Service during the 2020 election drew national attention.
He accused then-Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and Trump of attempting to “sabotage mail-in voting,” becoming one of Congress’s most vocal defenders of USPS integrity.
Final Chapter and Oversight Leadership
In late 2024, Connolly announced his esophageal cancer diagnosis, vowing to continue working while undergoing treatment. That same year, he was elected ranking member of the powerful House Oversight Committee, defeating Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the post.
From that position, he led Democratic oversight efforts targeting the Trump administration’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency, and demanded transparency about Elon Musk’s expanding government role and the firing of career federal employees.
In April 2025, Connolly confirmed that his cancer had returned. Saying he was “full of pride” in what had been achieved, he formally stepped down from his committee role and announced he would not seek reelection.
“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,” he said.
Legacy of Service
From his early days in Fairfax to the halls of Capitol Hill, Gerry Connolly’s career was marked by public innovation, tenacious oversight, and a deep commitment to civic service. He will be remembered for expanding infrastructure, embracing digital modernization, and defending the core functions of democracy.
He is survived by his family and a legacy of legislation, leadership, and local transformation that will shape Virginia and the nation for years to come.
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