Rep. Connolly Won’t Seek Reelection, Will Step Down from Top Oversight Role

The longtime Virginia congressman will focus his energy on beating cancer.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) listens at a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on June 16, 2022. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) will not seek reelection in 2026 as he focuses on winning another fight: his battle with esophageal cancer.

Announcing the news on April 28, Connolly, 74, said he would soon step down from his role as the top Democrat on the House’s powerful Oversight Committee.