The death of Representative Gerry Connolly on Wednesday marks the third death of a Democratic lawmaker since November’s elections.
Two experts spoke to Newsweek about the future generations of Democratic leaders.
Why It Matters
Democrats were already the minority in the House of Representatives following Donald Trump‘s presidential victory, which helped down-ballot candidates. The multiple deaths since then now give Republicans 220 seats in the chamber compared to 212 for Democrats, with the three vacancies still requiring special elections.
What To Know
Connolly’s family announced Wednesday morning that the longtime legislator, 75, died.
He had represented northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, since 2009. Last year, the congressman announced he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and would undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Even amid concerns regarding his age and health, Connolly ran for a top-ranking position on the House Oversight Committee—one of Congress‘ most prominent committees—in December and was victorious against 35-year-old New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by a 131-84 margin. Connolly was backed by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
In April, Connolly stepped down from his role on the committee and stated he would not seek reelection in 2026.
“When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency,” Connolly said at the time. “After grueling treatments, we’ve learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. I’ll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace.”
Ocasio-Cortez said earlier this month that she had no intent to again seek a top spot on the committee.
Sylvester Turner
Representative Sylvester Turner, the former mayor of Houston, died in March at age 70.
He was just two months into his first congressional term after being elected in November to represent Texas’s 18th district. After serving as Houston’s mayor for eight years, Turner successfully ran to fill the seat of the late Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who died in July 2024 from pancreatic cancer.
Raúl Grijalva
About one week following Turner’s death, Arizona Representative Raúl Grijalva died at the age of 77 due to complications from cancer treatments.
Grijalva was the dean of Arizona’s congressional delegation, first elected in 2002, and at one point served as a co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. He chaired the House Natural Resources Committee from 2019 to 2023.
Between 2010 and 2020, a total of 12 sitting congressional members died.
What People Are Saying
Larry Sabato, founder and director of the Center for Politics in Virginia, to Newsweek: “Gerry had enormous energy, passion, and persistence. Democrats today need those qualities more than ever, so his death is a significant loss for the party and Congress. Every vote counts in this closely divided Congress. The three Democratic deaths mean Republicans have an easier time passing Trump’s agenda. Easier, not easy.
“The image of the Democrats today is geriatric. Their backing from the youngest voters weakened in 2024 (Catalist). The party needs not just to recruit younger candidates. Democrats must push them to the front, to the TV cameras, to lead the charge.”
Patricia Crouse, political scientist in residence at the University of New Haven, to Newsweek on Wednesday: “I think an aging Congress is an issue for both parties. The underlying issue is that incumbents are reelected at a rate of 95-98 percent. I am not sure that is more of a problem with the parties or the American electorate, but as long as that continues, Congress will continue to age.
“Having said that, you can look at how David Hogg has been treated by the DNC and see that they are not ready for the younger generation to take the reins of the party.”
What Happens Next
Special elections will fill the vacant seats, but the lack of urgency could hurt Democrats as Trump attempts to pass frameworks of his agenda—including the currently deliberated “Big Beautiful Bill” making its way through Congress.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott set November 4 as the special election date to fill Turner’s congressional seat.