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In the aftermath of another setback following the Trump-supported Big, Beautiful Bill’s progression in Congress, liberal commentators are directing their criticism at long-serving Democratic leaders who, they argue, are clinging to power for too long, even in death.
Just before the Big, Beautiful Bill was scheduled for a vote, Representative Gerry Connolly from Virginia passed away after a battle with esophageal cancer. Connolly had previously indicated plans to retire at the conclusion of his term in 2026.
This turn of events prompted various liberal analysts and consultants to voice their concerns regarding the reluctance of aging Democrats to relinquish their positions. Rebecca Katz of the FIGHT Agency shared her thoughts on social media platform X, stating, “Imagine if one of the older and sicker Democrats had retired instead of dying in office and what that could have meant for millions of people,” while referencing the bill’s narrow 215-214 vote count.
Accompanying her tweet was a repost of an article that featured a prominent image of Connolly along with a recount of elderly Democrats who have recently passed away while serving in Congress.
In a comment to Fox News Digital, Katz asserted that politicians do not have a divine right to rule indefinitely. She emphasized the necessity for the Democratic Party to regain the trust of its voters, saying, “Democratic voters feel deceived and are seeking accountability, and our party must earn back their confidence and start securing victories once more. We should not shy away from difficult discussions.”
The New Republic reported on Connolly’s passing as part of a troubling trend, noting he was among a growing number of Democratic lawmakers who have died while in office. This unfortunate list includes Representatives Raul Grijalva and Sylvester Turner, who also passed away recently. According to Katz, who has a rich background in Arizona politics — including campaign experience with Senator Ruben Gallego and work involving other prominent Democratic figures — there is palpable frustration regarding the current state of elder lawmakers within the party.
It’s notable that all eight lawmakers who have died in federal office recently have been Democrats, including Turner’s predecessor, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who had served in Congress for many years before her passing.
The New Republic seemed to suggest that the recent deaths of Democratic legislators significantly contributed to the Big, Beautiful Bill’s narrow passage. Their coverage read, “House Republicans succeeded in pushing through their stringent budget bill, promising extensive cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and food assistance, early Thursday morning, achieving this by a single-vote margin that was only possible due to the deaths of three members in the current Congress,” referencing Connolly, Grijalva, and Turner.
In another piece referenced by Katz, The Nation echoed similar sentiments. It read, “In a democracy, politicians exist to serve the public; the public does not exist to serve politicians. It’s indicative of democratic decline if politicians act like warlords, desperately clinging to power to their last breath.” This commentary spurred discussions on the Democratic Party’s need to solidify its identity and purpose to ensure elected officials function as genuine representatives rather than power-hungry figures.
The stark reality is that Democrats are meant to be part of a progressive movement aimed at achieving power and enacting an agenda. However, op-ed pieces have criticized the party for appearing more like a hospice than a political force, especially regarding its recent support for former President Biden amidst declining public perception.
The trio of Democrats who passed away during critical negotiations surrounding the Big, Beautiful Bill had all represented reliably Democratic districts in locations such as Fairfax, Tucson, and Houston. Their passing raised questions about the Democratic Party’s ability to fill these pivotal positions had they made the decision to retire much sooner.
In a statement reflecting on the absence of Representative Connolly, senior Republican leadership underscored that his loss would not have affected the voting results on the bill. Reports indicated that House Speaker Mike Johnson had a contingent of 217 votes available.
Before the deaths of Connolly, Turner, and Grijalva, a number of other Democrats from solidly Democratic areas — such as Paterson in New Jersey, Houston, Newark, and California’s Senator Dianne Feinstein — have also passed away in office, leaving their party at a considerable disadvantage during crucial votes.
Currently, the oldest serving members of Congress include Senator Charles Grassley from Iowa at 91 years old, Representatives Maxine Waters and Hal Rogers both at 87, and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton at 87. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is also among the oldest active members at 85.
The urgent questions surrounding the Democratic Party’s future and the impact of aging lawmakers take center stage as the situation unfolds. How the party navigates these challenges will be crucial in regaining the trust of its constituents and ensuring effective representation for years to come.
