Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) revealed on Twitter Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but has no plans to step down after being elected to a third House term in November.
“If there’s one thing that Democrats and Republicans can agree on, it’s that Parkinson’s disease sucks,” the 54-year-old Wexton said in a video statement about the brain disorder, which affects more than 8 million people — including nearly 1 million Americans.
“Today on World Parkinson’s Day, I’m here to tell you that I have come to learn this firsthand,” she added.
Wexton, whose Northern Virginia district covers the outer western suburbs and exurbs of Washington DC, said she was “doing well” despite the diagnosis and hopes to remain in office “for many years.”
“I’m not going to let Parkinson’s stop me from being me,” she vowed. “I hope to keep serving you for many years to come.”
Wexton went on to say that Parkinson’s is not “an untreatable disease, cognitive impairment or death sentence.”
“It starts in the brain and affects people’s bodies in different ways.”
Democratic Virginia Rep. Jennifer Wexton revealed she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Rep. Jennifer Wexton
The third-term congresswoman announced her diagnosis on World Parkinson’s Day. Rep. Jennifer Wexton“Over the past few months, it has primarily affected my speech and how my mouth moves. You may notice I speak more quickly now. It also has affected how I walk and keep my balance,” she explained.
“You are welcome to empathize, but don’t feel sorry for me. I’m working with my doctor on a treatment plan that addresses my symptoms.”
Wexton was first elected to Congress in 2018 and defeated Republican challenger Hung Cao in 2022 by nearly six percentage points, holding a seat that many pundits thought would fall in the expected GOP “red wave.”
Wexton said she has no plans to step down following the diagnosis. AFP via Getty Images
Former President Barack Obama, center right, poses for a photo with Senatorial candidate Tim Kaine, center right, and Congressional candidate Jennifer Wexton, center, left, after a rally with campaign volunteers, on November 05, 2018 in Fairfax, Virginia. The Washington Post via Getty ImagesDuring one debate with Cao in October, Wexton struggled to speak while answering a question about ongoing US support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion — generating speculation that she “suffered some kind of episode,” according to a C-SPAN user clip of the exchange.
Wexton nevertheless maintains the diagnosis will not prevent her from performing her official duties.
“The treatment process is one that requires time and commitment, so you’re going to see me have some good days and some days that are not so good,” Wexton said.
“But I want you to know this: My head and my heart are 100% committed to serving the people of Virginia, and especially my constituents in the 10th Congressional District.”
Wexton also noted that with her diagnosis, she joined “public figures like [actor] Michael J. Fox, [late] Attorney General Janet Reno and [boxer] Muhammad Ali.”
“Like them, I too am a fighter.”
