RICHMOND, Va. — Gerry Connolly, a Democratic U.S. Representative for Virginia’s largest county, disclosed on Thursday that he is facing a battle with esophageal cancer.

This news follows Connolly’s recent electoral victory, where he secured his ninth term in Congress by defeating Republican challenger Mike Van Meter, a veteran and former FBI agent, in Virginia’s 11th District.

In his statement, the 74-year-old congressman expressed his intention to confront this challenge with determination and a sense of humor, stating, “I will attack this the only way I know how – with Irish fight and humor.”

Connolly shared that he will undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments as he begins his new term representing Fairfax County and its affluent suburbs near the nation’s capital. Remarkably, he noted that he has experienced no symptoms other than occasional abdominal discomfort.

He also reassured his constituents, saying, “My wonderful staff and I look forward to serving you all in this new term and in the future.”

Having been a common figure in Northern Virginia’s political landscape for approximately three decades, Connolly first gained election as a Fairfax County supervisor in 1995. Throughout his time in Congress, he has been actively involved in oversight investigations and has made significant contributions to various local and national issues.

However, his journey in Congress has encountered difficulties. Last year, an individual with a record of mental health issues came to Connolly’s office in Fairfax with intentions to harm him using a baseball bat. Connolly was not present during the incident, and the assailant, who was later deemed not guilty by reason of insanity by the courts, ended up attacking two of his staff members instead.