Virginia Democrat Rep. Gerry Connolly says he's battling cancer

Newly re-elected Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly (D) announced on Thursday that he is battling esophageal cancer.

The congressman, who was just elected to a 9th term in Virginia's most populated county, vowed to fight the cancer "the only way I know how -- with Irish fight and humor."

Representing Fairfax County and the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Connolly has been known for leading oversight investigations in Congress.

He has been involved in politics in Northern Virginia for nearly 30 years, starting out as a Fairfax County Supervisor in 1995.

Connolly said he wasn't experiencing any symptoms except occasional mild stomach pain and that he would be receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

“My wonderful staff and I look forward to serving you all in this new term and in the future,” he said.