Who was Gerald E. Connolly? Senior Democrat and Virginia lawmaker dies at 75

US Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, a prominent Democrat from Virginia, passed away at 75 after battling oesophageal cancer. Connolly, who represented Virginia's 11th district since 2009 and served on the House Oversight Committee, died peacefully at home surrounded by family. He had announced his cancer diagnosis earlier this year and his decision not to seek re-election in 2026.