Rep. Connolly Declares He Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2026

Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia has announced he will not seek re-election to Congress in 2026, citing health issues related to his esophageal cancer diagnosis. Serving since 2008, Connolly has been a strong electoral presence, but his retirement brings questions about leadership changes at the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. As more members of Congress announce their departures, the upcoming election cycle looks set for notable changes.

Representative Gerald Connolly of Virginia has made a significant announcement regarding his political career. On April 28, 2025, he declared that he will not be seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 2026 term. This decision comes after a recent health battle; Connolly had previously disclosed his diagnosis of esophageal cancer in November 2024. In a poignant statement, he mentioned that despite initial progress against the illness, it has unfortunately returned. He noted, “The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress.”

Connolly ventured into Congress for the first time in 2008, winning an election in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District following the retirement of Republican Rep. Thomas M. Davis. He also managed to secure victory against Republican challenger Keith S. Fimian, winning with 55% of the vote. Throughout his career, Connolly demonstrated notable electoral strength, achieving a median victory margin of 34 percentage points in subsequent campaigns and even running unopposed in 2016. His most convincing win was in 2018, with a staggering 44-point margin, while his narrowest victory occurred in 2010 with just a 0.4 percentage point lead in his rematch against Fimian.

As of late April 2025, the general election for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District is anticipated to be a solid contest for the Democrats, according to independent forecasts from The Cook Political Report and Inside Elections. Sabato’s Crystal Ball has similarly rated the district as safe for the Democratic Party. Connolly’s retirement announcement is poised to inspire discussions regarding leadership changes, particularly at the Oversight and Accountability Committee, of which he has served as the ranking member.

Notably, CBS News’ Kaia Hubbard remarked that Connolly’s departure might serve as a catalyst for a generational shift among Democratic leaders on that committee, especially as the party aims to counteract the GOP’s dominance. Connolly’s announcement contributes to a growing list of congressional members who have decided against running for re-election in 2026. So far, 14 congressional members—comprising five senators and nine representatives—have declared they will step down.

Among these nine representatives, four are Democrats and five are Republicans. One Democrat is opting to retire from public office, while three Democrats and one Republican are vying for the U.S. Senate. Additionally, four Republicans are pursuing gubernatorial positions. This trend signals a shift compared to recent years, with eight retirements noted at this point in 2024, 11 in 2022, five in 2020, and a lesser seven in 2018.

Over various election cycles since 2011, organizations like Ballotpedia have tracked 361 retirement announcements from both Senate and House members. January was particularly notable for having the highest number of retirements, with 69 alerts sent out, while June recorded the fewest at just 12. Clearly, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal election year for both parties in the U.S. Congress.

In summary, Congressman Gerald Connolly’s decision not to seek re-election marks a critical point in his public service timeline. His health challenges have led to this announcement, along with implications for future leadership in Congress. As retirement announcements accumulate, the upcoming election in 2026 may witness significant shifts for both Democrats and Republicans. Connolly’s legacy and the evolving political landscape in his district will surely be topics of interest in the months to come.

Original Source: news.ballotpedia.org