RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Democratic Congressman Gerald “Gerry” Connolly, known for his strong advocacy and efforts toward significant changes within the federal government, passed away on Wednesday. During his tenure, he facilitated substantial growth in his heavily populated Virginia constituency. He was 75 years old at the time of his death.

Connolly, who most recently held a prominent position as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, served in Congress for more than 16 years.

He died at home in the company of family members, his family said in a statement. Connolly announced in 2024 that he had esophageal cancer and said a few months later that he planned to retire from Congress. His death leaves House Republicans with a 220-212 majority.

The lively and occasionally stubborn Fairfax Democrat gained recognition for his outspoken demeanor and readiness to participate in vigorous discussions.

one hearing

He charged Republicans with conducting a witch hunt against the IRS and questioned a witness about whether they had ever read Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible.”

“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of my close friend,” stated Democratic Senator Mark Warner from Virginia. “He represented the pinnacle of dedication in public service.” Warner added that Connolly tackled each obstacle with determination and resolve, particularly his last fight against cancer, confronting it with bravery, poise, and unassuming honor.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Connolly was a “hardworking, humble and honorable public servant” who used his perch on the Oversight Committee “to push back against the unprecedented attacks on the federal workers in his district and across the country.”

A fixture of Virginia politics for three decades, Connolly was first elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995. On the county board, he steered the transition of northern Virginia’s Tysons Corner from a traffic-heavy mall area to a downtown business hub.

In 2003, Connolly was elected board chairman, and he continued pushing for transportation investment that had been debated among officials for decades. Connolly sought billions in state and federal dollars to develop the regional rail system’s Silver Line connecting the national capital region to Tysons Corner.

Connolly’s dream was realized with the Silver Line’s opening in 2014, and eight years later, the rail line was extended an extra 11 miles (18 kilometers) to reach Dulles International Airport.

When the expansion was launched in 2022,

Connolly said

Accomplishing significant feats is challenging—the globe is brimming with people who doubt you.

Connolly’s background in local governance propelled him into Congress. He won election in 2008 afterwards.

switching a Republican-held seat that is currently open

by nearly 42,000 votes. In his victory speech, Connolly said he would use his position to ensure the federal bureaucracy is “a responsive, accountable instrument for the people we serve.”

“If we insist the government must work for all of our citizens again, we cannot fail,” Connolly said.

During the 1980s, Connolly had his initial experience with legislative procedures when he worked as a staff member for the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Many years afterward, Connolly joined the House Committee on Foreign Affairs as a representative.

He was additionally part of the House Oversight Committee and headed the Democratic side on panels focused on government innovation and information technology.

In 2010, Connolly co-sponsored the Telework Enhancement Act, mandating that federal agencies permit a segment of their workforce to work remotely at least once weekly. He also co-sponsored an additional piece of legislation in 2014.

reformed federal IT management

And has since helped save the government billions of dollars, according to reports.

Government Accountability Office

.

He kept a close watch on the declining finances of the U.S. Postal Service and emerged as a notable critic, blaming President Donald Trump and ex-Postmaster General Louis DeJoy for attempting to undermine the postal system with the aim of reducing mail-in votes during the 2020 presidential race.

Last year, Connolly achieved a significant landmark when he was selected as the chairman of the House Oversight Committee. This win over Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez occurred not long after Connolly disclosed at the end of the previous year that he had been

diagnosed with esophageal cancer

and would receive both chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

As the ranking member, Connolly requested that inspectors general look into the matter.

Department of Government Efficiency

. He and other Democrats as well

presented a set of resolutions

demanding the

Trump administration

review papers and data concerning the wealthy advisor

Elon Musk’s

possible conflicts of interest along with the dismissals of federal employees.

In late April, he mentioned that following “exhausting treatments,” he found out the cancer had come back. He then chose to resign from his position on the committee and also decided against seeking reelection.

“Without any ill will and with a complete heart, I step into this final chapter filled with pride for what we have achieved together over these three decades,” he stated.

___

Olivia Diaz is part of the corps for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative.

Report for America

is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.