Death Of Third House Democrat In 3 Months Weakens Party’s Power In Fight With GOP

The death of a third House Democrat in three months has significantly weakened the party’s position in its fight with the GOP and the Trump Administration.

Weeks after announcing the return of his esophageal cancer, Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly died at the age of 75. His cancer returned despite “grueling” treatments since his diagnosis last year.

“It is with immense sadness that we share that our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family,” Connolly’s family shared in a statement on X on May 21.

His family called Connolly a “fierce defender of democracy,” along with “his legacy now colors our region.”

Since March and within the first few months of the congressional term, Connolly is the third Democratic congressman to die. The other two were Texas Rep. Sylvester Turner and Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva.

Although the Republicans controlled the chamber at the beginning of the 119th Congress, these deaths, along with an election after the start of the term, have widened the gap from 219-215 in January to 220-212 now.

The GOP’s megabill passed the House on Thursday by just one vote, underscoring the narrowness of the House margin.

Connolly had already announced that he would not seek another term in Congress due to his cancer’s return. Meanwhile, he shared that he planned to step down as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, a position he had only held since January.

“The sun is setting on my time in public service,” Connolly said in an April statement. “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.”