WASHINGTON, DC (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – A Northern Virginia Congressman who announced his retirement last month after a recurrence of his cancer has passed at age 75. Fairfax Democrat Gerald Connolly was first elected to Congress on Barack Obama’s coattails in 2008, succeeding Republican Tom Davis and has had the seat ever since. He stepped down last month as ranking member of the House Oversight Committee and announced his retirement at the end of his term after his throat cancer returned.

A family statement this morning reads, ““It is with immense sadness that we share that our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family.” Click here for the entire statement.