Biography

Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly, born on March 30, 1950, in Boston, Massachusetts, is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Virginia's 11th District since 2009. This district encompasses Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax in Northern Virginia. Before his congressional tenure, Connolly dedicated 14 years to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as Chairman. Throughout his career, he has been a staunch advocate for Northern Virginia's economy, focusing on transportation infrastructure and federal workforce support.

In November 2024, Connolly publicly disclosed his diagnosis of esophageal cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy, he announced in April 2025 that he would not seek re-election in 2026 due to the recurrence of his cancer.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Literature from Maryknoll College, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
  • Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, 1979.

• Political Experience:

  • Elected Providence District Supervisor on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995; served until 2003.
  • Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 2003 to 2009.
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008; serving Virginia's 11th District since then.
  • Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
  • President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly from 2020 to 2022.

Connolly's legislative efforts have significantly contributed to transportation improvements in Northern Virginia, including the completion of the Fairfax County Parkway and securing federal funding for the regional Metro system.

Rep. Gerry Connolly Announces Retirement Amid Health Concerns:

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