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Dem Rep Says She Has Parkinson’s, Will Stay in Office

Jennifer Wexton, via Twitter
April 11, 2023

Virginia congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D.) on Tuesday announced she has Parkinson's disease and intends to stay in office.

"I'm doing well, and I want to bring about as much good from this diagnosis as I can—including here in Congress," Wexton said in a video posted to Twitter Tuesday, on World Parkinson's Day. "You’re going to see me have some good days and some days that are not so good,"

The Virginia representative indicated that she would nevertheless remain in office. "I hope to keep serving you for many years to come," Wexton said.

"It has primarily affected my speech and how my mouth moves," Wexton said of her condition. "It has also affected how I walk and keep my balance."

Wexton said that her diagnosis is not "cognitive impairment."

Wexton is just the latest Democratic lawmaker to face health-related challenges to her congressional duties. Pennsylvania senator John Fetterman made national headlines during his campaign as conservatives questioned his cognitive ability following a stroke in May.

The senator’s wife, Gisele Fetterman, called for "consequences" after an NBC reporter asked about her husband’s stroke recovery.

California senator Dianne Feinstein (D.) announced in February that she would not seek another term in 2024, following suggestions within the Democratic Party for her to retire. Feinstein’s fellow Democratic lawmakers told media outlets that the California senator had exhibited memory loss and was too cognitively impaired to serve any longer.

Published under: Virginia