Rep. Gerry Connolly says he won't seek reelection, will step back "soon" as Oversight ranking member

Washington — Rep. Gerry Connolly announced on Monday he won't seek reelection in 2026 and plans to step back "soon" from his post as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. 

The long-serving Virginia Democrat said his cancer had returned.  

"When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency," Connolly said in an open letter to his constituents Monday. "After grueling treatments, we've learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned."