Gerry Connolly said he will not seek reelection and will step back from his role on the House Oversight Committee after learning his cancer has returned.

Rep. Gerry Connolly, a veteran Virginia Democrat and ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, announced Monday he will not seek reelection and will soon step down from his leadership position on the powerful panel.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., ran against Connolly for the job but was defeated as the majority of Democrats opted to stick with the seniority system. Connolly has served on the Oversight Committee for more than 16 years.