Virginia Representative Gerry Connolly died early on Wednesday, May 21, six months after admitting that he had esophageal cancer. He was 75 years old.

“It is with immense sadness that we share that our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family,” a statement released by the Connolly family said.

The longstanding lawmaker from Virginia’s 11th legislative district is the third House Democrat to die since March, all due to health issues just a few months into the current legislative session.

Connolly initially revealed that he had cancer on November 7, 2024, only two days after being reelected to his ninth term in the United States House. In the statement, Connolly stated that he had only received one minor inkling that something was awry before his “surprise” diagnosis.

“Except for some intermittent abdominal aches and pains, I had no symptoms,” he said.

Connolly stated that he intended to resume his legislative duties despite getting chemotherapy and immunotherapy “right away.”

“Over the coming months, while I work in our district and on Capitol Hill, I may feel exhausted as a result of the therapy. “I hope you understand,” he added. “Be assured I’m full of hope and am sustained by the love, support, and encouragement of my family, friends, and all of you.”

However, in April, the congressman provided another health update and said that he would not seek another term in Congress owing to the recurrence of his disease.

He also stated that he intended to stand down from his leadership position as the top Democrat on the influential House Oversight Committee, which he handed over to 35-year-old New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Noting that the “sun is setting on my time in public service,” he concluded with, “With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years.”

Connolly expressed sympathy about former President Joe Biden’s stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis on May 18, only days before his death.

“Deeply saddened to learn of my friend Joe Biden’s diagnosis,” he posted on his website. “My heart is with him and the entire Biden family as he fights this terrible disease.”