Representative Jennifer Wexton, a Democrat from Virginia, declared on September 18 that due to a sharp deterioration in her health, she will not be able to run for office again in 2024. After she defeated the GOP-held state legislature in 2018, she rose to prominence as one of the most well-known Democratic political figures.
Wexton revealed in April that she had been given a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, which she said had a significant impact on her speech, mouth movement, and equilibrium. The spokesperson stated in the September 18 release that the most recent diagnosis revealed a mutation in the condition that led to a progressive supranuclear palsy, which medical professionals have identified as one of the most severe types of Parkinson’s disease.
The 55-year-old Democratic leader made this decision in a lengthy statement, stating that she thinks honesty has always been the most fundamental principle in public service. The diagnosis was a “tough one,” she continued.
Wexton stated that after years of giving back to her community, she is devastated to have to make this choice and give up something she loves. She did, however, state that she must resign because this illness will negatively impact her health over the coming years. The congresswoman from Virginia stated that she plans to finish her term and then step down from politics in order to spend the remainder of her time with her loved ones.
Various indications indicate that the state will serve as a battlefield in the Democratic and Republican contests for the northern Virginia seat. This area, which lies outside the nation’s capital and consists of affluent and suburban exurbs, has recently emerged as a democratic bastion.
In 2018, Wexton overthrew Republican incumbent Barbara Comstock in what many media outlets called one of the most costly midterm elections of the year. Virginia went back to Democratic control as voters voiced their opposition of then-President Donald Trump.
