WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democratic U.S. Representative Gerald Connolly has died following his diagnosis with cancer of the esophagus last year, his family said in a statement posted to the Virginia lawmaker’s account on X on Wednesday. He was 75.

Connolly, first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 and the top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, died at home in Northern Virginia outside Washington earlier on Wednesday.

“We were fortunate to share Gerry with Northern Virginia for nearly 40 years,” his family wrote, calling him “a fierce defender of democracy” and a champion for the environment. “Gerry lived his life to give back to others and make our community better.”

Fellow lawmakers called him a tireless public servant, and noted his work in recent months as his constituents — many tied to the federal government — grappled with cuts from the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s DOGE task force.

“Even as he battled a difficult cancer diagnosis, Ranking Member Connolly continued to push back against the unprecedented attacks on the federal workers in his district and across the country,” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, offered his condolences in a post on X: “His decades of public service reflect a deep commitment to Virginia.” He did not say what steps would be taken to fill the House seat.

Connolly is the latest lawmaker to die in office, including Democrats Sheila Jackson Lee and Bill Pascrell last year. Republicans still maintain control of the chamber, 220 to 212.

Prior to serving in the House, the Boston native considered the priesthood before shifting to public service and moving to the Washington area. He served on the Board of Supervisors for Fairfax County, Virginia and helped shepherd in a Metro subway line extension before running for Congress.

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(Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Doina Chiacu and Rod Nickel)