Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) has been diagnosed with cancer, he announced on Nov. 7.
Connolly said he was surprised to hear the diagnosis because he has been showing no symptoms apart from intermittent abdominal pain.
He said he would start chemotherapy and immunotherapy right away.
“Cancer can be tough. But so am I. I will attack this the only way I know how—with Irish fight and humor,” he said.
The congressman said that there’s a great medical team who are helping treat him and that they’re confident of beating the cancer.
“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. I hope you'll understand,” he said. “Be assured I’m full of hope and am sustained by the love, support, and encouragement of my family, friends, and all of you.”
Connolly represents Virginia’s 11th Congressional District in northern Virginia. He was first elected in 2008.
The congressman won reelection over Republican Mike Van Meter on Nov. 5 with 66.4 percent of the vote, according to the Virginia Department of Elections.
The esophagus is a tube that carries food and liquid from one’s throat to the stomach.
Like many forms of cancer, the sooner esophageal cancer is detected, the better the chance of recovery. Other factors include the patient’s underlying health.
If a vacancy occurs in a seat representing Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives, then Gov. Glenn Youngkin would schedule a special election to fill the seat.
Republicans currently control the lower chamber. With several dozen races not yet called, Republicans hold 207 seats in the upcoming Congress, and Democrats hold 193 seats.
