Top Democratic rep, 75, dies after cancer battle

Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly died Wednesday morning following a battle with esophageal cancer, his family announced.

He was 75.

Connolly had been the top Democrat on the powerful House Oversight Committee up until last month after edging out Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the coveted role.

He is the third House Democrat to pass this year while in office and his death comes as House Republicans are scrambling to wrangle President Trump’s marquee One Big Beautiful Bill Act through their ultra-slim majority in the lower chamber.

“Gerry lived his life to give back to others and make our community better. He looked out for the disadvantaged and voiceless. He always stood up for what is right and just,” Connolly’s family said in a statement.

“We were fortunate to share Gerry with Northern Virginia for nearly 40 years because that was his joy, his purpose, and his passion.”

Connolly had announced plans to step down from his role as the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee last month following a resurgence of his cancer.

Democrats are jockeying to find a successor.