Democratic representative Gerry Connolly de Virginie died, his office announced on Wednesday morning. He was 75 years old.
“It is with immense sadness that we share that our father, husband, brother, friend and friendly civil servant, the member of the Congress Gerald E. Connolly, died peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family,” said a family declaration.
Connolly had been used for the congress since 2009. He was a champion of federal workers, repelling in recent months against the Trump administration and the redesign of Elon Musk of the government.
“We had the chance to share Gerry with the north of Virginia for almost 40 years because it was his joy, his goal and his passion. His absence will leave a hole in our hearts, but we are proud that the work of his life continues for future generations,” said his family.
Representative Gerry Connolly attends an audience of the Chamber’s Rules Committee on future voting procedures at the American Capitol on June 28, 2021 in Washington.
Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images
Last month, Connolly said he was withdrawing from the democratic position superior to the surveillance committee of the influential house because his cancer had returned. Connolly beat New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the committee president in December.
He had received a diagnosis of esophagus cancer in November.
“When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency,” he said in his statement last month. “After exhausting treatments, we have learned that cancer, while being resumed, returned now. I will do everything possible to continue representing and thank you for your grace.”
