Rep. Gerald Connolly Announces Retirement from U.S. House in 2026

Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) announced he will not run for re-election in 2026 due to health issues, specifically returning esophageal cancer. Having served since 2008, he has won his seat decisively in previous elections. Political analysts project the 2026 election for his district as solidly Democratic. Connolly’s departure will also end his tenure as ranking member of the Oversight Committee, prompting discussions about new leadership.

Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) confirmed on April 28, 2025, that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, citing ongoing health issues. This announcement comes after he disclosed a diagnosis of esophageal cancer back in November 2024. Connolly shared in a heartfelt message, “The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress.” His decision wraps a significant chapter in a career spanning over a decade.

Connolly first won his seat in the House for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District in 2008, following the retirement of then-Rep. Thomas M. Davis (R-Va.). He defeated Republican candidate Keith S. Fimian by a margin of 12%. Over the years, Connolly has demonstrated electoral strength, securing victories in all seven re-elections. Notably, during the 2018 election, he achieved a remarkable 44 percentage point victory margin.

As of April 29, 2025, political analysts from respected outlets including The Cook Political Report and Inside Elections have projected the 2026 election for Connolly’s district as solidly Democratic. Sabato’s Crystal Ball takes it a step further, labeling it as a safe Democratic seat. This prediction suggests that Connolly’s departure might not significantly shift party dominance in the area.

In conjunction with his retirement announcement, Connolly also mentioned he would be stepping down as the ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. According to CBS News’ Kaia Hubbard, this move might instigate a shift toward younger leadership within the committee. This ambition for generational change has been a lingering discussion within the Democratic Party, especially as they strategize against GOP dominance in Congress.

Currently, Connolly joins a growing list of 14 U.S. Congress members—five senators and nine representatives—who will not be seeking re-election in 2026. Among the nine representatives, the landscape is mixed: four Democrats and five Republicans, with commitments to various political endeavors such as the U.S. Senate and state governor positions.

Looking back at previous election cycles, retirement announcements tend to fluctuate. For instance, announcements recorded at this point total eight in 2024, eleven in 2022, five in 2020, and seven in 2018. From 2011 until now, Ballotpedia has tracked 361 announcements regarding retirement, with January typically displaying the highest activity at 69.

Rep. Gerald Connolly’s decision to retire from Congress underlines significant health challenges, while also indicating a potential shift in Democratic leadership. His enduring electoral success showcases his influence in Virginia, yet forecasts for the upcoming elections suggest little change to the Democratic foothold in his district. Overall, a notable number of congressional members are bowing out, reflecting evolving political aspirations and personal circumstances as they approach the 2026 elections.

Original Source: news.ballotpedia.org