Representative Jerry Connolly, a passionate Democrat from Virginia with extensive experience in Congress, passed away Wednesday morning after a short battle with cancer, according to his family.
At 75 years old, Connolly was a well-known figure in the Capitol, recognized for his strong advocacy for federal agencies, especially following the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol.
First elected in 2008, he became a senior member of the Rose Rose, Powerhouse Surveillance and Government Reform Committee this year.
His rise to this position wasn’t without its challenges. Connolly disclosed his diagnosis of esophageal cancer shortly after the November elections. This situation reignited debates within the House Democrats’ Caucus about seniority, particularly after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) expressed interest in the ranking member role.
Despite the controversies, Connolly remained well-liked among his colleagues and secured his position relatively easily.
On Tuesday, he collaborated with Rep. James Comer (R-KY.), who chairs the Oversight Committee, to sponsor his final piece of legislation, the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act.
