Longtime Democratic rep announces cancer diagnosis

Longtime Virginia Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly announced on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

The eight-term congressman, who secured reelection on Tuesday, issued a statement revealing he had esophagus cancer. The statement states that he learned of the diagnosis “a few days ago,” meaning he potentially knew of the health issue prior to Tuesday’s election.

“It was a surprise because, except for some intermittent abdominal aches and pains, I had no symptoms,” Connolly, 74, said in the release. “I’m going to undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy right away. Cancer can be tough. But so am I. I will attack this the only way I know how – with Irish fight and humor.”

A note to my constituents: pic.twitter.com/B1rh43OHoq

— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) November 7, 2024

Connolly defeated Republican Mike Van Meter in a landslide Tuesday, winning 66.8% of the vote while Van Meter received the remaining 33.2%, according to The Associated Press. Connolly’s district is located in Northern Virginia and includes much of heavily left-leaning Fairfax County, where 66% of voters supported Harris.

“Be assured I’m full of hope and am sustained by the love, support, and encouragement of my family, friends, and of all of you,” Connolly said. “My wonderful staff and I look forward to serving you all in this new term and in the future.”

Connolly serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and has focused on expanding affordable housing, reducing gang violence, and promoting renewable energy. He is an outspoken critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating on his website that, “the United States must pressure both sides [Israel and the Palestinians] to exercise restraint and protect civilian lives,” and that, “sadly, the Netanyahu government has failed to do that.”

In June 2021, the Irish-American congressman described Republicans who opposed giving gold medals to Capitol Police officers who served during the Jan. 6 riot as “part of the insurrectionist mob.”

Connolly’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, including a question as to when exactly he learned of the diagnosis.

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