Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., revealed Thursday he has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

In a statement posted on social media, Connolly said he was surprised to learn he has cancer because, other than some occasional stomach pains, he had no symptoms.

Connolly, 74, said he will immediately begin chemotherapy and immunotherapy. 

“Cancer can be tough,” Connolly wrote. “But so am I. I will attack this the only way I know how — with Irish fight and humor.”

He added that he is “confident in a successful outcome.”

Connolly said he plans to continue serving in Congress but warned his constituents that he “may be a bit fatigued due to the treatment,” adding, “I hope you’ll understand.”

Connolly was elected Tuesday to his ninth term representing Virginia’s 11th District, located in the Washington, D.C., suburbs. He received 67% of the vote in defeating Republican Mike Van Meter, a retired FBI agent. 

There have been more than 22,000 new esophageal cancer cases diagnosed and 16,130 deaths from the disease in 2024, according to the American Cancer Society. Men are about 3½ times more likely than women to be diagnosed with esophageal cancer.