Fact Check: Three elderly Democrats have died in Congress this session.

Fact Check: "Three elderly Democrats have died in Congress this session."

What We Know

The claim that three elderly Democrats have died in Congress during the current session is accurate. Specifically, the three Democratic lawmakers who passed away are Rep. Gerry Connolly, Rep. Sylvester Turner, and Rep. Raúl Grijalva.

1. Rep. Gerry Connolly died on May 21, 2025, at the age of 75 after battling esophageal cancer, which he had publicly announced prior to his death (NBC News).
2. Rep. Sylvester Turner, who was 70 years old, died in March 2025, just two months after being elected to Congress (Newsweek).
3. Rep. Raúl Grijalva, aged 77, passed away shortly after Turner, also due to complications from cancer treatments (Newsweek).

These deaths have had significant implications for the Democratic Party, particularly in the context of a closely divided House of Representatives, where every vote counts (The Daily Beast).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple reputable sources confirming the deaths of the three Democratic lawmakers. The reports from NBC News, Newsweek, and The Daily Beast provide detailed accounts of each individual's death, including their ages and the circumstances surrounding their passing.

The reliability of these sources is high; they are well-established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The articles provide not only the facts of the deaths but also context regarding their impact on the Democratic Party and the legislative process, which adds depth to the claim.

Additionally, the timing of these deaths is significant as they occurred within a short period, raising concerns about the aging leadership within the Democratic Party. This context is echoed in various analyses, highlighting the potential consequences for party dynamics and electoral strategies moving forward (The Daily Beast).

Conclusion

The claim that "three elderly Democrats have died in Congress this session" is True. The evidence is well-documented and corroborated by multiple reliable sources, confirming the deaths of Reps. Connolly, Turner, and Grijalva, all of whom were elderly and had significant roles in Congress.

Sources

1. Three Democrats Who Died This Year Would Have Sunk Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'
2. How Many Democrats Have Died In Office This Session?
3. Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia dies at 75 after esophageal cancer