Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), a long-serving House Democrat, announced he will not seek reelection after being diagnosed with cancer, though he will finish his current term.
In a letter to supporters, Connolly, 75, said treatments initially worked but the cancer has returned, prompting him to step back from public service and his role as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee.
While Virginia’s 11th District is rated safely Democratic (D+18), Connolly’s exit may force Democrats to defend the seat more actively. His retirement is part of a broader trend of Democratic exits ahead of 2026, with some seeking higher office and others bowing to pressure to make way for a younger, more progressive generation.
Election forecasters currently show a tight race for control of the House, with several seats still considered toss-ups.
