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.

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly said Monday that his health has pushed him to not seek re-election next year and he will "soon" step back as top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.