Connecticut’s Chris Murphy hospitalized after stroke; office says recovery is expected
Hospitalization and treatment
Murphy began experiencing numbness in his arm Saturday afternoon while attending his son’s hockey game, according to chief of staff Allison Herwitt. He was taken to a local hospital, where doctors found he had suffered a stroke.
A prominent Democratic senator
Murphy, 53, has been a prolific campaign surrogate for candidates during the midterm cycle. He is also viewed as a possible 2028 presidential contender and has taken a prominent role on foreign policy and oversight of the executive branch.
Other lawmakers’ health crises
Murphy is among several lawmakers who have faced health crises this year. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky missed months of Senate work during an extended hospital stay and rehabilitation, while Rep. Tom Kean of New Jersey was away from the Capitol for months for depression treatment.
In 2022, three prominent Democratic lawmakers were hospitalized for strokes: Sen. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico, Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, and then-Senate candidate John Fetterman.
Key points
- Murphy experienced arm numbness at his son’s hockey game and was diagnosed with a stroke.
- His chief of staff says he is responding well to treatment and is expected to recover fully.
- Murphy was transferred from a local hospital to Johns Hopkins for monitoring.
- The senator recently returned from a Middle East tour and is a prominent Democratic campaign surrogate.