Overview

• Rep. Gerry Connolly, 75, announced his esophageal cancer has returned and he will not seek reelection in 2026.
• Connolly will soon step down as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, where he has served as ranking member since December 2024.
• Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts is expected to serve as interim ranking member, with a permanent successor to be chosen by the Democratic caucus.
• Potential candidates for the Oversight leadership role include Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ro Khanna, Jasmine Crockett, and Robert Garcia.
• Connolly, who has represented Virginia's 11th District since 2009, expressed pride in his 30 years of public service and thanked his constituents for their support.