Congress

Connolly stepping down from Oversight committee role, will not seek reelection

In an announcement Monday, Connolly said his esophageal cancer has returned and he will be stepping down from his position on the Oversight Committee “soon.”

Drew Friedman@dfriedmanWFED

April 28, 2025 11:55 am

2 min read

Rep. Gerry Connolly, the top Democrat on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and a long-time leading voice in support of the federal workforce, will not seek reelection next year.

In an announcement on Monday, Connolly said his esophageal cancer has returned and he will be stepping down from his position on the Oversight committee “soon.”

“The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress,” Connolly wrote in an email to his constituents.

Connolly first announced his cancer diagnosis six months ago. After first being able to beat back the cancer, he told his constituents on Monday that it has now returned.

“I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace,” he said.

It’s unclear who will step in as the top Democrat on the Oversight committee once Connolly departs.

Connolly has represented northern Virginia since 2009 and has remained a vocal advocate of the federal workforce for years.

“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,” Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said Monday. “I have no doubt that Gerry will continue to fight — for his health, for his community, and for the causes he believes in.”

Over the last few months, Connolly has harshly criticized the actions of the Trump administration in its efforts to overhaul the federal workforce. In his leadership role on the Oversight committee, he has launched a number of investigations into the Department of Government Efficiency’s role at federal agencies and questioned Elon Musk’s position in the administration.

Connolly has also reintroduced legislation on the federal workforce for years, pushing for larger pay raises for federal employees and expanded benefits for federal annuitants. The Center for Effective Lawmaking named Connolly the most effective lawmaker of the 117th Congress.

In a statement on Connolly’s departure, Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) described Connolly as “a steadfast public servant who has spent his career serving Northern Virginians with honor and integrity.”

“It’s an honor to serve the American people alongside him and I am rooting for him as he battles cancer once again,” Comer added.

If you would like to contact this reporter about recent changes in the federal government, please email drew.friedman@federalnewsnetwork.com or reach out on Signal at drewfriedman.11