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Another leading Democrat has been admitted to the hospital after having a stroke, marking the third one over a span of roughly two weeks.
Earlier this month, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, suffered a stroke as he was giving a speech. Next, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman was hospitalized just a few days before winning the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Senate.
And on Monday, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, one of the most prominent Democrats in the state, was rushed to the hospital for suffering what he is describing as a “minor stroke.”
“He tweeted that he has suffered stroke-like symptoms Monday night after he and his wife, Anna, walked the family dog,” The Horn News reported.
“Stein, 55, may have suffered a more severe case than the other two. He underwent emergency surgery to remove a small blood cloth,” the report said, adding:
Stein’s office confirmed his medical emergency and his stay in a Raleigh hospital, and Stein’s office said the clot-removal procedure was successful.
“I’m feeling back to normal now and am beyond blessed to have no lingering effects,” Stein wrote, adding that his physician wants him to stay in the hospital another day or two, then get some rest before returning to work.
Just talked to AG @JoshStein_ and he’s doing well. Already back at it on the phone and corresponding. Can’t keep a good man down. – RC https://t.co/2iiLLItZc7
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) May 24, 2022
I’m so grateful my wife knew the signs. Learn more: https://t.co/l71TH0B38e.”
— Josh Stein (@JoshStein_) May 24, 2022
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein is recovering from a stroke that led to a removed blood clot. The 55-year-old Democrats says he’s ‘beyond blessed to have no lingering effects.’ He says he’ll be in the hospital for a day or two. #ncpol https://t.co/rpzKo9UVY0
— Gary Robertson (@garydrobertson) May 24, 2022
“Anna is my hero for recognizing that something was wrong and insisting that I go to the hospital,” he added, going on to praise the ambulance crew that initially treated and transported him.
“I have a tremendous amount to be thankful for this morning, especially my loving family,” he added.
Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, tweeted that he spoke to Stein on Tuesday morning and “he’s doing well. Already back at it on the phone and corresponding. Can’t keep a good man down.”
Just talked to AG @JoshStein_ and he’s doing well. Already back at it on the phone and corresponding. Can’t keep a good man down. – RC https://t.co/2iiLLItZc7
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) May 24, 2022
The Associated Press adds:
Stein, a former state senator, has been considered a potential 2024 gubernatorial candidate to succeed Cooper, who is barred by term limits from running again. By narrow margins, Stein was elected attorney general in 2016 and reelected in 2020.
Stein led the consumer protection division in the Department of Justice when Cooper was attorney general before Stein went into private practice.
Stein announced May 17 that he had tested positive for COVID-19 the day before but said he had no symptoms.
After his stroke incident, Van Hollen said in a statement on Twitter that doctors at George Washington University Hospital informed him that “there are no long-term effects or damage as a result of this incident.”
Van Hollen said he would be hospitalized for “a few days” but planned to return to work later in the week.
“This weekend, I was admitted to George Washington University Hospital after experiencing lightheadedness and acute neck pain while I was delivering a speech in Western Maryland. At the recommendation of the Attending Physician, I sought medical attention upon my return home,” his statement began.
“Earlier today, an angiogram indicated that I had experienced a minor stroke in the form of a small venous tear at the back of my head. Fortunately, I have been informed that there are no long-term effects or damage as a result of this incident, but my doctors have advised that out of an abundance of caution I remain under observation for a few days. I look forward to returning to work in the Senate later this week and thank the medical team for their excellent care,” Van Hollen concluded.