“I ask us all to stop and say a prayer for his family,” Fox said. “Please take some time.”

Some were in the middle of television segments when they received the news of Connolly’s death. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) was asked for his reaction while on CNN News Central.

“I‘ve traveled with him with the NATO Parliamentary and just always a gentleman. Always greeted you with a smile. Always polite,” McCormick said. “Didn‘t always see things the same as everybody else, but always a pleasure to work with. He will be missed, for sure.”

“Gerry was one of the nicest, funniest people up here in Congress,” Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) said on MSNBC’s Morning Joe. “It was an honor to serve with him, and it just continues to seem that cancer takes the best among us.”

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly. For decades, he dedicated his life to serving the people of Virginia. Our prayers are with his family, friends, and the people of Virginia’s 11th district during this difficult time,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) posted on X.

“The Fairfax Republican Party extends its heartfelt condolences on the passing of Congressman Connolly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the organization said on X.

“I’m saddened to hear about my fellow Virginian, Congressman Gerry Connolly’s passing. He will be remembered for his lifetime of service and dedication to the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Rep. John McGuire (R-VA) said. “Please join me and Tracy in praying for the Connolly family and the constituents of Virginia’s 11th District.”

“The passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly marks the loss of a longtime public servant who represented Northern Virginia in both local and federal office,” Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) said. “My thoughts are with his family, staff, and all those mourning his loss today.”

“Congressman Gerry Connolly embodied what it means to be a true public servant,” Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Lamont Bagby said. “We will miss him and send our deepest condolences to his family, staff, and those he touched across Virginia and our country.”

Bagby’s predecessor, Susan Swecker, criticized a reporter who pointed out Connolly’s poor health last December. In since-deleted posts, Swecker suggested that the reporter delete his account.

Other reporters also piped in. Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta shared his personal connection to Connolly.

“Very sad news. Congressman Connolly was a true fighter for the district where I grew up in Fairfax County and fought especially hard for the federal workers being harmed by DOGE. RIP,” Acosta said.

“Gerry Connolly refused to retire despite having terminal cancer. He just died. As a result, there’s another empty seat that would be filled by a Democrat. That makes passing the Big Beautiful Bill slightly easier,” writer and podcast host Matt Stoller said. “There’s a cultural prohibition on speaking ill of the dead, but I don’t believe that should apply to public figures whose death fosters political consequences they could have otherwise avoided. Gerry Connolly was a selfish and corrupt man, and he died like he lived.”

Several Virginia candidates responded to the news, including Levar Stoney, a candidate for lieutenant governor.

“I knew Congressman Connolly for nearly 20 years. He was a true public servant who dedicated his career to supporting Virginians,” Stoney said.

“Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly,” attorney general candidate Jay Jones said. “A titan of public service, he dedicated his life to serving his constituents with passion, integrity, and commitment. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all who were touched by his incredible work.”

CONGRESSMAN GERRY CONNOLLY DIES AT 75

Connolly is the third Democratic House member to die since the November election. These deaths have resulted in House Republicans increasing their majority to eight seats.

The Virginia Democrat is survived by his wife, Cathy Smith, and his daughter, Caitlin Connolly.