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Government & Politics

Van Hollen Under Medical Observation After Suffering ‘Minor Stroke’

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D), pictured in 2019, suffered a “minor stroke” during a political speech over the weekend, his office announced. Photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen is under medical observation after suffering a “minor stroke” during a political speech over the weekend.

Maryland’s junior senator announced his condition in a statement late Sunday evening.

Van Hollen, 63, is running for re-election to a second term without major competition this year.

“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,” he said in the statement. “At the recommendation of the Attending Physician, I sought medical attention upon my return home.”

On Sunday, Van Hollen said, an angiogram indicated that he’d experienced a minor stroke in the form of a small venous tear at the back of his 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,” the statement said. “I look forward to returning to work in the Senate later this week and thank the medical team for their excellent care.”

Van Hollen was one of several speakers at the Western Maryland Democratic Summit at the Rocky Gap Resort and Casino on Saturday. After spending several hours there mingling and listening to other speakers, he gave a rousing, partisan call to arms late in the morning. He showed no visible signs of being in distress.

Van Hollen was scheduled to be honored at a fundraiser for the Maryland Health Care For All Coalition in Baltimore Monday morning. His wife, Katherine Van Hollen, is expected to appear in his place.

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Van Hollen Under Medical Observation After Suffering ‘Minor Stroke’