He said that Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, the state’s top Democratic Senate contender heading into Tuesday’s primary, was hospitalized on Sunday after having a stroke. Fetterman, 52, said that he was feeling better, that he would make a “full recovery,” and that he would be able to begin campaigning shortly.
Fetterman had notably canceled all of his public events over the weekend, citing a “health concern,” according to his campaign. The progressive Democrat revealed in a video message and written statement posted by his campaign on Sunday that he didn’t feel well on Friday and went to the hospital, where doctors detected and removed a blood clot. “I had a stroke caused by a clot from my heart staying in an A-fib rhythm for too long,” he explained, adding that his wife was the first to notice his symptoms and took him to the hospital.
On Friday, I wasn’t feeling well, so I went to the hospital to get checked out.
I didn’t want to go – I didn’t think I had to – but @giselefetterman insisted, and as usual, she was right.
The good news is I’m feeling much better + I’m well on my way to a full recovery. pic.twitter.com/WQ5X6QgQen
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) May 15, 2022
“They were able to rapidly and remove the clot, reversing the stroke,” he added, “they also put my heart under control.”
“The doctors say I haven’t suffered any cognitive harm.” “I’m well on my way to recovering completely,” he continued. Fetterman stated that he was being held at the hospital for observation but that he would be released shortly and that “the doctors have informed me that I’ll be able to get back on the [campaign] route.”
“Our campaign isn’t slowing down,” claimed the quirky six-foot-eight former mayor.
It’s unclear whether Fetterman’s medical emergency will sway Pennsylvania voters. Polls show him as the overwhelming favorite to win the Democratic Senate primary on Tuesday. Pennsylvania is one of the few states where Democrats appear to have a chance to flip a Senate seat this year.