Washington, D.C. — May 13, 2025 — U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly, a long-serving Democrat from Virginia known for his fierce advocacy for federal workers and foreign affairs expertise, has died at the age of 75.
The news was confirmed by his office in a statement Tuesday morning, citing natural causes. Connolly passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family.
Connolly, who represented Virginia’s 11th Congressional District since 2009, earned a reputation as a pragmatic legislator and a skilled negotiator on Capitol Hill. A key member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he was deeply involved in efforts to modernize government operations and bolster America’s international alliances.
A lifelong public servant, Connolly previously served as chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors before winning his seat in Congress. His district, which includes much of Northern Virginia, is home to thousands of federal workers—many of whom viewed him as a steadfast defender of their rights and benefits.
President Joe Biden praised Connolly in a statement, calling him “a tireless champion of the American people and a friend whose wisdom and wit made him a beloved figure in Washington.”
“He brought a deep sense of duty to every issue he tackled, whether it was protecting civil servants, strengthening global democracy, or standing up for Northern Virginia,” Biden said.
Connolly was also known for his work promoting international democracy and human rights, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. His leadership within the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the House Democracy Partnership helped shape bipartisan engagement on global democratic development.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described Connolly as “a brilliant and compassionate public servant whose legacy will endure through the countless lives he impacted both at home and abroad.”
As the Capitol mourns the passing of one of its most respected voices, arrangements for a memorial service are expected to be announced later this week. Connolly is survived by his wife Cathy and their daughter Caitlin.
