Virginia Democratic Representative Gerry Connolly passed away at the age of seventy-five, a significant change for a House of Representatives closely divided between the two major parties.

The longtime lawmaker, who served for over sixteen years in the House, was known for his work reforming federal government operations and developing his northern Virginia district.

Connolly held the ranking member position on the House Oversight Committee until his recent health decline. The death of the senior lawmaker shifts the balance of the House to a 220 to 212 majority of Republicans.

Connolly began his political career back in 1995, winning election to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. His work at the county level established the foundation for what would become his career in Congress, ultimately winning a previously Republican seat in 2008.

The lawmaker became active on both the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Oversight Committee, cosponsoring the Telework Enhancement Act that promoted remote work for federal employees in 2010, a measure that would later prove prescient during the lockdowns.

Connolly announced his diagnosis of esophageal cancer earlier this year, telling supporters that he intended to retire from Congress at the end of his term, though he remained committed to public service despite stepping down from his committee leadership due to the health issues.

The passing of Connolly marks the third House Democrat to die while in office over the past three months: Texas Democratic Representative Sylvester Turner passed away in early March, while Arizona Democratic Representative Raul Grijalva died less than two weeks later.