Just two days after winning reelection to Congress, Rep. Gerry Connolly announced that he has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
Connolly learned of his diagnosis “a few days ago” after experiencing “some intermittent abdominal aches and pains,” but no other symptoms, he said in a statement posted on his social media pages this morning (Thursday).
Connolly says he will undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy “right away,” but does not expect treatment to impact his duties save for some fatigue.
“I will attack this the only way I know how — with Irish fight and humor,” Connolly said.
A note to my constituents: pic.twitter.com/B1rh43OHoq
— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) November 7, 2024
Connolly, 74, was first elected in 2008 to represent Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, which covers most of Fairfax County. Prior to becoming a Congressman, he served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for 13 years, including a stint as chairman of the board from 2003-2009.
On Tuesday (Nov. 5), Connolly won reelection to his ninth term in the House of Representatives, besting Republican candidate Mike Van Meter with 66.48% of the vote, according to unofficial results. He still anticipates serving that term despite his diagnosis.
“My wonderful staff and I look forward to serving you all in this new term and the future,” Connolly said. “It is a privilege to represent and serve each and every one of you.”
Virginia’s U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner issued a joint statement about the diagnosis.
“Gerry Connolly is a fighter — plain and simple. Throughout his career, he has shown remarkable strength, dedication, and resilience in everything he does, and we have no doubt that he will approach this challenge with the same determination and grit that has defined his public service.
“Gerry has always been a steadfast advocate for the people of Northern Virginia, and we know that he will continue to show that same fierce commitment as he faces this battle. We are confident he will emerge from this even stronger, as he has done time and time again.
“As his colleagues and friends, we stand with him every step of the way. Gerry’s courage and determination inspire us all, and we look forward to working with him as he continues to do what he does best — fighting for his constituents and for the values we all share.”
Esophageal cancer, which attacks tissue in the esophagus, is a relatively rare form of cancer, affecting approximately 0.5% of people in the U.S. at some point in their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. There have been an estimated 22,370 new cases in 2024, constituting just 1.1% of all new cancer cases.
