This past November saw longtime Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly say that he would continue working despite being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

However, the 75-year-old abruptly announced his retirement this week after revealing that his health had taken a turn for the worse. 

Connolly "stepping back" as ranking member of the Oversight Committee

According to Fox News, Connolly announced that he will depart from the House of Representatives in a statement released over the weekend.

"After grueling treatments, we've learned that my cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned," Connolly's statement read.

The congressman stressed that he will "do everything possible to continue to represent" his constituents and expressed gratitude to them for their "grace."

"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 acknowledged.

The lawmaker drew to a close by saying, "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 won nine elections in Virginia's 11th District Congressional District

Fox News noted that Connolly's involvement in politics dates back to 1995 when he was elected to serve as Fairfax County supervisor.

He was subsequently elected to nine consecutive terms in Virginia's 11th District Congressional District, most recently defeating Navy veteran and former FBI agent Mike Van Meter.

News of Connolly's departure was met with tributes from his colleagues, including Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner.

"Throughout his career, Gerry Connolly has exemplified the very best of public service — fiercely intelligent, deeply principled, and relentlessly committed to the people of Northern Virginia and our nation," Warner declared.

Warner calls Connolly "one of the toughest fighters I know"

"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 public service, Gerry is one of the toughest fighters I know," the senator added.

Sen. @MarkWarner: Rep. @GerryConnolly (D-VA11) "is one of the toughest fighters I know. I have no doubt that Gerry will continue to fight — for his health, for his community, and for the causes he believes in." https://t.co/G1wdEYANJx pic.twitter.com/ahKpNyJaZL

— Blue Virginia (@bluevirginia) April 28, 2025

Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett spoke up in a statement of her own, declaring that Connolly's "impact will always be felt."