Sen. Chris Murphy Hospitalized After Stroke at Son's Hockey Game
Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut is in the hospital after suffering a stroke at his son's hockey game on Saturday, his office said.
The 53-year-old Democrat is awake, alert and "responding well to treatment," according to a statement from his chief of staff, Allison Herwitt, released Sunday.
What Happened
"Yesterday afternoon, Senator Murphy started experiencing numbness in his arm while at his son's hockey game," Herwitt said, according to CBS News.
Murphy was taken to a local hospital, where doctors determined he had suffered a stroke. He was later transferred to Johns Hopkins for further monitoring.
"The doctors are encouraged by his progress, he is awake and alert, and we are optimistic he will make a full recovery," Herwitt said.
His office has not shared further details about the type of stroke or how long he is expected to remain in the hospital.
A Busy Stretch on the Campaign Trail
Murphy, who is not on the ballot this year, had spent several weeks traveling the country to support Democratic candidates ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections, as Democrats hope for a blue wave that could help them retake control of the Senate. He had been scheduled to campaign for Democrats in New Hampshire on Sunday, Fox News reported.
Murphy was elected to the Senate in 2013 after serving three years in the House. He has been seen as a possible contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.
The news came on the final day of early voting in Connecticut. Murphy had been urging residents to cast their ballots just days earlier.
Leaders From Both Parties Send Well Wishes
Messages of support poured in from across Connecticut, including from Democrats and Republicans, NBC Connecticut reported.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Murphy's fellow Connecticut senator, said, "I know how fiercely he fights and I'm certain I'll be welcoming him back to the Senate soon."
Gov. Ned Lamont said he had been with Murphy just two days earlier, encouraging people to vote. He called Murphy "a great friend to Connecticut" and said he expects to see him back on the campaign trail soon.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said, "He is the toughest fighter I know," adding that Murphy will get through this challenge. Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, who campaigned with Murphy on Friday evening, said she is hoping for a quick recovery. Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam called him "an unwavering champion and fighter" for working-class families.
Republican state Sen. Ryan Fazio wrote, "I am keeping Sen. Murphy and his family in my prayers during this challenging moment." State Senate Republican leader Stephen Harding said he was encouraged by Murphy's progress and wished him a full recovery.
Know the Signs of a Stroke
Murphy is not the first sitting senator to face a stroke. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Sen. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico both suffered strokes in 2022. Van Hollen had bleeding in his brain from a torn vein, while Luján needed brain surgery and spent several weeks away from work. Van Hollen later urged people not to "brush off" strange symptoms, telling CBS News, "you've got to look out for your health."
Murphy's first symptom, sudden numbness in one arm, is a classic warning sign. Doctors recommend remembering the acronym BE FAST: sudden loss of Balance, trouble seeing out of one or both Eyes, Face drooping, Arm weakness or numbness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911, according to Scripps Health.
Scripps advises calling 911 right away, even if symptoms go away, and not to drive yourself to the hospital, since quick treatment can limit brain damage and improve recovery.
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