Cory Booker and Hakeem Jeffries host sit-in on Capitol steps
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Cory Booker hosted an hours-long sit-in on the Capitol steps ahead of Congress resuming session.
WASHINGTON – Virginia Democrat Rep. Gerry Connolly announced on Monday he will not seek reelection in 2026 and will step back from his role on the powerful House Oversight Committee after learning his esophageal cancer has returned.
Connolly, 75, announced his diagnosis in November last year and said he will undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy. But in a post on X, Connolly wrote that the cancer, “while initially beaten back, has now returned.”
“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 added in his post. “My loving family and staff sustain me. My extended family – you all have been a joy to serve.”
Connolly is serving his ninth term in Congress representing Virginia’s 11th congressional district, which covers Fairfax County. He has led efforts to improve U.S. postal service operations, invest in metro railway systems around northern Virginia and strengthen the federal workforce.
In December last year, he secured a spot to be a ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which has the authority to investigate subjects and hold the federal government accountable. He beat progressive firebrand New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the position, exposing the generational rift within the party.
With Connolly stepping aside, Massachusetts Democrat Rep. Stephen Lynch said he would seek the position, according to Politico. It is unclear whether Ocasio-Cortez will throw her hat in the ring for the role again.
Virginia Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine said in a statement he spoke with Connolly on Monday morning and expressed his “profound admiration” for Connolly’s service.
“For decades, my friend Gerry Connolly has shown Virginia and the country how to fight for what is right,” he said. “No one has fought harder when it comes to Virginia’s federal workforce, transportation infrastructure, congressional oversight, and our commitment to critical alliances like NATO. I’m deeply moved by the way he has brought that same courage to his fight against cancer, and will do all I can to support him and his family.”