Rep. Gerry Connolly stepping down as top Democrat on House Oversight Committee

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) said Monday he will soon step aside as the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee after just four months in the role.What he's saying: Connolly said that his cancer, "while initially beaten back, has now returned," and that he will not seek reelection to his House seat. "The sun is setting on my time in public service," he wrote in an open letter to his constituents.State of play: Connolly, 75, said last November that he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He defeated Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) the following month to succeed Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) as the top Democrat on Oversight.Connolly's health made him a target of high-profile progressives outside of Congress who said he was unsuited for the role.What he's saying: "When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency. After grueling treatments, we've learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned," he wrote."This will be my last term in Congress. I will be stepping back as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee," he continued."With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we've accomplished together over 30 years."What's next: Connolly has talked to Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Va.), the third next senior Democrat on the panel after Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), about filling in for him, according to sources familiar with the matter.His departure paves the way for Ocasio-Cortez to run again, with Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) also being floated for the role.Behind that is an even deeper bench, with some House Democrats naming Reps. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) as possible candidates.House Democrats told Axios that Ocasio-Cortez is seen as a potential frontrunner if she opts in, but House Democratic caucus rules require her to obtain a waiver because she does not currently serve on Oversight.Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.

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