Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly’s decision to step back from the top Democratic spot on the House Oversight Committee could usher in a generational shift for one of the party’s main anti-Trump messenging roles.
The 75-year-old lawmaker announced Monday that his cancer returned, prompting him to retire from Congress after this term. Connolly said he’s “stepping back” from his Oversight leadership role “soon.” Senior committee Democrat Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) will take over Connolly’s duties on an acting basis, according to a source familiar with the process, but Connolly’s retirement will open a coveted role likely to draw ambitious young contenders. ...