• Rep. Gerry Connolly announced he won't seek reelection and will soon step down from the Oversight Committee.
• His decision follows a return of his esophageal cancer, initially diagnosed in November.
• Connolly expressed gratitude for his 30 years of public service and pride in his accomplishments.
• The move may lead to a generational shift within the Democratic leadership on the committee.
• Connolly previously defeated Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the Oversight Committee's ranking position last year.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) announced on Monday that he would not seek reelection and will step back from his role as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, citing the return of his esophageal cancer. "The sun is setting on my time in public service, and this will be my last term in Congress," Connolly stated, emphasizing his pride in serving for over 30 years, according to Newsweek and The Hill.

Connolly shared in his statement that he experienced grueling treatments and learned that the cancer, originally beaten back, had returned after several months. He expressed that his commitment to transparency remains a priority as he navigates this challenging time, according to ABC News and HuffPost.

Connolly, 75, was first elected to Congress in 2009 and secured the ranking position on the Oversight Committee in December, defeating the junior Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His tenure as the ranking member has been marked by significant scrutiny of the past administration, particularly regarding alleged violations under President Trump, as highlighted by CBS News and The Hill.

The announcement of Connolly’s departure could pave the way for a new generation of Democratic leaders in the Oversight Committee, where there has been growing support for younger candidates. Connolly's position had been a point of contention in recent discussions within the party, reflecting broader debates about leadership direction, according to HuffPost and Newsweek.