Congressman Gerald E. Connolly’s decision not to seek re-election marks the end of a rare kind of congressional career—one marked not by bombast or viral moments, but by decades of principled service, global engagement, and moral clarity. For those of us who had the privilege of working with him, his retirement is personal.
The Alliance for American Leadership (a4al.org)—a nonpartisan network of young professionals and foreign policy advocates—was founded by one of Congressman Connolly’s former interns. Today, it includes eight members from his Northern Virginia district. We came together around a shared belief that American leadership abroad should reflect the same values we fight for at home: democracy, dignity, and decency. And we were inspired, in large part, by the example set by Congressman Connolly.
Before his election to Congress, Connolly was already known as “Mr. Foreign Aid,” a nickname earned during his decade as a staffer on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Speaking to Roll Call about that time, he recalled: “The world suddenly just blew apart as I was just beginning my tenure…I had oversight of the entire foreign assistance program and responsibility for writing the annual foreign aid authorization bill. So that gave me a worldwide responsibility, a pretty broad portfolio. I was Mr. Foreign Aid.”
In the years since, that same sense of global responsibility defined his time in Congress. He championed human rights, defended democratic institutions, and fought to maintain U.S. investments in global health and development. Even as foreign aid became a political target, Connolly held the line.
His legacy is visible in the lives he touched directly—staff, interns, and constituents alike.
“Interning for Congressman Connolly was a privilege,” said Asher Moss, Executive Director of the Alliance. “His deep commitment to good governance and our democratic institutions was undeniable. I always admired the framed article in his office calling him ‘Mr. Foreign Aid’—a reminder of how fiercely he fought for American leadership. His example will continue to inspire a generation of advocates, public servants, and leaders who understand that American leadership is not an option; it is a responsibility.”
Other members echoed the sentiment.
“Congressman Connolly has served Northern Virginia and our nation with unmatched integrity and passion,” said Camillo Morales, an A4AL Advisory Board Member. “His relentless commitment to defending democracy and advocating for American leadership as a force of good in the world will leave an enduring legacy.”
As we face a moment where the very idea of international engagement is under attack, Connolly’s voice—and his absence—will be felt even more acutely. He reminded us that American leadership wasn’t about dominance or posturing, but about responsibility.
“As my representative, Congressman Connolly made me proud as he always pushed for smart policies that put the human first,” said Chris Griffith, an A4AL advocate and constituent. “His support for agencies like USAID assured me that he had nothing but the best in mind for those in and out of his district.”
We will miss his leadership. But the work continues.
