Virginia Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, a Democrat known for his advocacy on behalf of the federal workforce, died Wednesday, just weeks after announcing that his esophageal cancer had returned. He was 75.

“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,” his family said in a statement.

Connolly had already announced last month that he would not seek reelection in Virginia’s 11th District, citing his cancer’s return. He also said he anticipated stepping aside from his duties as the ranking member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

News of the death of Connolly — a longtime fixture in Northern Virgi

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