Fact Check: Dead lawmakers' social media accounts continue to post after their deaths.

Fact Check: "Dead lawmakers' social media accounts continue to post after their deaths."

What We Know

The claim that dead lawmakers' social media accounts continue to post after their deaths has been substantiated by recent events surrounding the late Representative Gerry Connolly. Following Connolly's death on May 21, 2025, his social media accounts, including his campaign page on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, were updated to promote his endorsed successor, James Walkinshaw. Posts made on these accounts included messages encouraging early voting and honoring Connolly's legacy, explicitly stating that "All posts made with the consent of the Connolly family" (Fox News).

This phenomenon is not isolated to Connolly; reports indicate that other deceased lawmakers have had their accounts remain active posthumously, often to support ongoing political campaigns or initiatives (Politico).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is clear and well-documented. The posts from Connolly's accounts were made after his death and were aimed at promoting Walkinshaw's congressional bid, which aligns with the family's wishes. The explicit mention of family consent provides a level of transparency and ethical consideration that is often lacking in similar situations (Fox News).

However, the broader implications of such actions raise questions about the management of deceased individuals' social media accounts. While the posts in Connolly's case were authorized, the practice of using a deceased person's account for political endorsements can be seen as controversial. It can blur the lines between honoring a legacy and exploiting a person's memory for political gain (Axios).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, including established news organizations like Fox News and Politico, which have a history of reporting on political matters. Their coverage includes direct quotes and specific details about the posts made from Connolly's accounts, reinforcing the reliability of the information presented.

Conclusion

The claim that dead lawmakers' social media accounts continue to post after their deaths is True. The case of Gerry Connolly illustrates that social media accounts can indeed remain active posthumously, particularly for political purposes, with the explicit consent of the deceased's family. This raises ethical questions about the use of such accounts, but the factual basis of the claim stands verified.

Fact Check: Dead lawmakers' social media accounts continue to post after their deaths.