Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly has been diagnosed with cancer.
In an open letter to his constituents Thursday, the 74-year-old Democrat said he has cancer of the esophagus. Connolly added he has no symptoms aside from intermittent abdominal pains and will be undergoing chemotherapy right away.
“Cancer can be tough. But so am I,” Connolly said. “I will attack this the only way I know how – with Irish fight and humor.”
Connolly said he learned of his diagnosis “a few days ago.”
Earlier this week, Connolly, who was first elected to Congress in 2008, secured a ninth term in office on Election Day. Connolly represents Virginia’s Congressional District 11, which includes parts of Fairfax County as well as Fairfax City.
The congressman did acknowledge that his treatment could affect him on the job.
“Over the next few months as I do my job here in our district and on the Hill, I may be a bit fatigued due to the treatment,” Connolly said. “I hope you’ll understand.”
He closed out his letter by assuring voters that he is still looking forward “to serving you all in this new term and in the future” and that he would see his constituents “on the hustings.”
Outpouring of support: ‘He will emerge from this even stronger’
In a joint statement, Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner of Virginia called Connolly a fighter and said they have no doubt he will face “this challenge with the same determination and grit that have defined his public service.”
The senators said they are inspired by the congressman’s courage and look forward to working with him in the future.
“Gerry has always been a steadfast advocate for the people of Northern Virginia, and we know that he will continue to show that same fierce commitment as he faces this battle,” the statement read. “We are confident he will emerge from this even stronger, as he has done time and time again.”
Other politicians and Connolly’s constituents shared messages of support for the congressman on social media Thursday.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia called Connolly a “true fighter” for the Commonwealth.
“I know he will meet this next fight with that same dogged determination,” she wrote.
Del. Suhas Subramanyam shared a similar sentiment to Spanberger.
“He has always been a fighter for Northern Virginia, and we know he will fight this too,” Subramanyam said on social media.
On Tuesday, Subramanyam was elected to fill an open seat in the U.S. House in a Northern Virginia congressional district that borders Connolly’s.
Rep. Don Beyer, who also represents a Northern Virginia district, said he’s sending support to Connolly and his family.
“His kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to his district inspire us all, and I know he will tackle this diagnosis with incredible strength,” Beyer said.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland wrote, “Sending love and strength to Gerry Connolly, a born fighter and champion of the people. We are all with you every step in your fight against cancer.”
Supervisor James Walkinshaw of Fairfax County wrote, “Over the course of our 18-year friendship, I’ve seen Gerry Connolly take on hundreds of battles, each with courage, fortitude, and a dose of Irish humor. I have no doubt he’ll take on — and win — this battle with that same spirit.”
The outpouring of uplifting messages went beyond the D.C. area.
Reps. Joe Morelle and Adriano Espaillat of New York posted on social media calling Connolly an inspiration.
“His unwavering spirit and positivity are an inspiration to us all. Standing with him and looking forward to his full recovery,” Morelle said.
WTOP’s Jessica Kronzer contributed to this report.
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