Senior House Democrat Suffers Stroke

 Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), who served multiple terms as House majority leader, suffered a “mild” stroke over the weekend and intends to get back to work after receiving treatment, according to his office.

Margaret Mulkerrin, Hoyer’s deputy chief of staff and spokesperson, released a statement about the health scare on Tuesday.

“On Sunday night, August 11, Rep. Steny Hoyer experienced a mild ischemic stroke and sought medical treatment,” Mulkerrin said. “Mr. Hoyer has responded well to treatment and has no lingering symptoms.”

The congressman, who is 85 years old and seeking re-election, “expects to resume his normal schedule next week,” Mulkerrin added. “Mr. Hoyer’s wife and family extend their deepest thanks to his medical team.”

Some follow House members, including Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Ritchie Torres (D-NY), wished Hoyer a quick recovery. Leading candidates in Maryland’s U.S. Senate race, Democrat Angela Alsobrooks and Republican Larry Hogan, did the same.

 

The mild stroke happened as the age and health of longtime politicians have taken a spotlight in the 2024 election.

President Joe Biden, who is 81, dropped out of the White House contest last month after a fumbling debate performance spurred Democrats to call on him to step aside over concerns about his mental acuity and electability.

Vice President Kamala Harris has since clinched the nomination for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, setting up a general election clash against former President Donald Trump.

The 2024 election could drastically shake up the power dynamic in Washington, D.C. Currently, the Democrats control the White House and Senate while the Republicans lead the House.

Earlier on Tuesday, the office of Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) revealed the congressman had been hospitalized a second time within the past month after reportedly being released to a rehabilitation center just days ago.

 

“He is now stable. We will provide updates whenever possible and remain hopeful he will be able to resume his rehabilitation soon,” Pascrell’s chief of staff Ben Rich said in a statement.

The New Jersey Globe noted that Pascrell, who is 87, is running for a 15th term in Congress and would become the oldest member of the House if he defeats Republican challenger Billy Prempeh.