Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton is bowing out.
The Democratic politician representing a congressional district in Northern Virginia will retire at the end of this term.
In April, Wexton announced doctors had diagnosed her with Parkinson's Disease. In a statement on Monday morning, she announced that she hadn't made progress in managing her symptoms as she had hoped. After noticing women in her support group weren't having the same difficulties, Wexton underwent further testing that determined she has progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) – a rare and eventually fatal neurological disorder.
NBC News has more on Wexton's reaction to the new diagnosis, which she described as “Parkinson's on steroids”:
“I've always believed that honesty is the most important value in public service, so I want to be honest with you now — this new diagnosis is a tough one,” Wexton said in a lengthy statement explaining her decision. There is no ‘getting better' with PSP. I'll continue treatment options to manage my symptoms, but they don't work as well with my condition as they do for Parkinson's.”
“I'm heartbroken to have to give up something I have loved after so many years of serving my community,” she continued. “But taking into consideration the prognosis for my health over the coming years, I have made the decision not to seek reelection once my term is complete and instead spend my valued time with Andrew, our boys, and my friends and loved ones.”
Wexton has represented Virginia's 10th Congressional District for two terms, having defeated Republican incumbent Barbara Comstock in 2018 with 56% of the vote.
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My dad died from PSP, so I know more than a little bit about it. Because it is so rare (<50,000 in the world have this) and the symptoms are very similar to Parkinson’s it is often misdiagnosed. It is fatal. Typically death occurs on average 7 years after onset and since she was misdiagnosed she is obviously well into this 7 year stretch. There are no effective treatments and the progression of this disease is quite brutal.
Pray for her and her family.
Praying for Mrs Weston and her family.