The death of Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) revived a fierce battle over age that has bedeviled the Democratic Party. Connolly died on Wednesday at the age of 75 after a recurrence of cancer forced the Virginia lawmaker to step down as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee last month.

Washington — Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia died Wednesday, his family announced. He was 75 years old. Connolly's death comes weeks after he announced that he would not seek reelection in 2026 and would be stepping back from his post as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee because his cancer had returned.

Gerry Connolly, a longtime Democratic member of Congress from Northern Virginia known for his advocacy of the federal workforce, died on Wednesday. He was 75 years old. The longtime lawmaker's death was announced by his family via a statement from his congressional office.