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By Hannah Parry
Associate News Editor
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Senator Chris Murphy continues to respond well to treatment following his stroke over the weekend, his office told Newsweek on Monday.
The Connecticut Democrat, 53, was rushed to a local hospital on Saturday afternoon after he suffered a stroke while attending his son's hockey game. He was subsequently transferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for further monitoring.
On Sunday, his chief of staff, Allison Herwitt, said "doctors are encouraged by his progress, he is awake and alert, and we are optimistic he will make a full recovery."
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On Monday, his office confirmed to Newsweek that he was continuing to respond well to treatment as he remained hospitalized. It remains unclear how long he will need to remain hospitalized or when he might be able to resume his Senate duties.
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Murphy Was on Campaign Trail for Fellow Democrats
Murphy was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2006 before winning a seat in the Senate in 2012. He is currently serving his third term. His seat is not up for election in Tuesday's midterms.
In recent weeks, he has been campaigning for Democratic candidates across the country.
On Friday, he shared that he was campaigning in his home state for Governor Ned Lamont, while he was in Minnesota last week campaigning with Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, the Democratic nominee for Senate.
Murphy had been scheduled to campaign in New Hampshire on Sunday alongside Democratic Representative Chris Pappas, who is running for the Senate, before his hospitalization.
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Murphy recently returned from a trip to the Middle East, where he met with several leaders, and in September, he finished his annual Walk Across Connecticut—a 70-mile trek over four days in which he connected with residents and voters along the way.
President Donald Trump said he was “really surprised” to hear about Murphy’s stroke when asked by reporters on Sunday.
"We don't like to hear a thing like that. He's a young guy. Nobody wants to have that," he said.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, also a Connecticut Democrat, said Sunday that he expects his friend to be back in Congress soon.
“Thinking of my great friend & colleague, Chris Murphy,” he wrote in a statement. “I know how fiercely he fights & I’m certain I’ll be welcoming him back to the Senate soon."
Other Senators Who Have Experienced Strokes
Murphy is among several sitting senators who have experienced strokes in recent years.
Senator Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico and Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, both Democrats, suffered strokes in 2022 and subsequently recovered.
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, also a Democrat, experienced a stroke in 2022 while campaigning for his seat. He has since spoken publicly about its effects on his health, including difficulties with speech and auditory processing.
Fetterman expressed support for Murphy following news of his hospitalization, saying on social media that his family was "rooting for Chris and his family for a full and speedy recovery."
What Causes a Stroke and What Are the Long-Term Effects?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
There are two main types: an ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot blocking an artery supplying the brain, and a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding.
High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors. Others include high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, heart disease and physical inactivity. Although stroke risk increases with age, strokes can also affect people in their 50s and younger.
The long-term effects depend on the area of the brain affected and the extent of the damage. Some survivors recover with few lasting problems, while others experience physical difficulties, speech and language problems, or cognitive changes. These can include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, slower information processing and challenges with decision-making. Some survivors also experience depression, anxiety and fatigue.
Recovery varies from person to person and may involve rehabilitation, including physical, occupational and speech therapy. A previous stroke also increases the risk of another, making ongoing medical care and prevention important.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Samantha Beech and Dave Siminoff.
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