U.S. congressman endorses candidate for his seat – one month after his death

Ranking member Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-Va., speaks during a committee on House Administration Oversight Subcommittee and House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Subcommittee joint hearing, April 19, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

More than a month after his death, Virigina congressman Gerry Connolly’s social media accounts sprang back to life, endorsing his former chief of staff running to succeed him.

Connolly, who died on May 21 at the age of 75 following a battle with esophageal cancer, had previously endorsed James Walkinshaw before his death. But Tuesday’s activity – with renewed posts on X and Facebook – surprised many online and sparked debate around digital afterlives for public figures.

“Early voting starts TODAY in Va-11! Before passing, Gerry Connolly endorses @JamesWalkinshaw to carry the torch,” Connolly’s official account posted on X.

A nearly identical message appeared on his Facebook page.

Connolly represented Virgina’s 11th congressional district, which includes parts of northern Virigina, since 2009. He served as the ranking Democratic member of the House Oversight Committee.

His death came weeks after announcing he would not seek re-election due to his battle with cancer.

Connolly’s X account’s bio states: “All posts made with the consent of the Connolly’s family.”

Walkinshaw, once Connolly’s chief of staff and now a Fairfax County supervisor, remains one of the 10 Democratic candidates competing in the June 28 primary for the special election ballot.

This marks the second time in recent months that the social media accounts of a deceased U.S. lawmaker was activated after death.

The X account for Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas), who died March 5, began following members of Congress and reporters in April.