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Jennifer Wexton Announces She Won't Seek Reelection

Jennifer Wexton Announces She Won't Seek Reelection
Published 2 years ago on Sep 18, 2023

This decision comes after she was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder. 



In April, Wexton (D-Va.) disclosed her initial diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, expressing her intent to continue her service in Congress despite the diagnosis. However, on Monday, the 55-year-old revealed that her medical condition had been reevaluated, leading to a more severe diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), which she described as "a kind of 'Parkinson's on steroids.'" 

Wexton conveyed her heartfelt sentiments, stating, "I'm heartbroken to have to give up something I have loved after so many years of serving my community." She further explained her decision not to seek reelection, emphasizing her desire to spend quality time with her husband, Andrew, their children, and her close friends and loved ones. 

Jennifer Wexton’s 2018 victory ended nearly four decades of GOP control of her district.

Parkinson's disease and PSP share similar early symptoms, often leading to misdiagnosis. PSP, however, is characterized by more rapid deterioration and limited treatment options. On average, PSP patients have a life expectancy of six to nine years, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic. 

Wexton acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, "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." She clarified that unlike Parkinson's, PSP does not offer the prospect of improvement with treatment. 

Wexton said she has been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy.Instagram/Rep. Jennifer Wexton

The Washington Post reported on Wexton's emotional response when informing her chief of staff, as she initially said, "it's OK," before changing her tone and asserting, "It's not OK. It's not OK at all. I'm going to die, which isn't fair." 

Jennifer Wexton has represented Virginia's 10th Congressional District, encompassing affluent suburbs west of Washington, DC, since her election to Congress in 2018. Prior to her congressional tenure, she served in the Virginia Senate beginning in January 2014. 

Wexton said in her announcement that she is “heartbroken to have to give up something I have loved.”Instagram/Rep. Jennifer Wexton

Wexton's decision not to seek reelection will likely draw attention from Republicans eyeing her seat as a potential pickup opportunity in the 2024 elections, especially given that Republican Hung Cao came within 6.5 percentage points of unseating her in the last cycle. 

Jennifer Wexton's political journey was inspired by her opposition to then-President Donald Trump, and she entered Congress in the wave of Democratic victories during the 2018 midterm elections. Throughout her term, she has been an advocate for various causes, including displaying a transgender flag outside her office soon after taking office. 

Wexton said she is committed to spending her remaining time in Congress to “help build the future we want for our children.”Instagram/Rep. Jennifer Wexton

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This decision comes after she was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder. 



In April, Wexton (D-Va.) disclosed her initial diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, expressing her intent to continue her service in Congress despite the diagnosis. However, on Monday, the 55-year-old revealed that her medical condition had been reevaluated, leading to a more severe diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), which she described as "a kind of 'Parkinson's on steroids.'" 

Wexton conveyed her heartfelt sentiments, stating, "I'm heartbroken to have to give up something I have loved after so many years of serving my community." She further explained her decision not to seek reelection, emphasizing her desire to spend quality time with her husband, Andrew, their children, and her close friends and loved ones. 

Jennifer Wexton’s 2018 victory ended nearly four decades of GOP control of her district.

Parkinson's disease and PSP share similar early symptoms, often leading to misdiagnosis. PSP, however, is characterized by more rapid deterioration and limited treatment options. On average, PSP patients have a life expectancy of six to nine years, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic. 

Wexton acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, "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." She clarified that unlike Parkinson's, PSP does not offer the prospect of improvement with treatment. 

Wexton said she has been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy.Instagram/Rep. Jennifer Wexton

The Washington Post reported on Wexton's emotional response when informing her chief of staff, as she initially said, "it's OK," before changing her tone and asserting, "It's not OK. It's not OK at all. I'm going to die, which isn't fair." 

Jennifer Wexton has represented Virginia's 10th Congressional District, encompassing affluent suburbs west of Washington, DC, since her election to Congress in 2018. Prior to her congressional tenure, she served in the Virginia Senate beginning in January 2014. 

Wexton said in her announcement that she is “heartbroken to have to give up something I have loved.”Instagram/Rep. Jennifer Wexton

Wexton's decision not to seek reelection will likely draw attention from Republicans eyeing her seat as a potential pickup opportunity in the 2024 elections, especially given that Republican Hung Cao came within 6.5 percentage points of unseating her in the last cycle. 

Jennifer Wexton's political journey was inspired by her opposition to then-President Donald Trump, and she entered Congress in the wave of Democratic victories during the 2018 midterm elections. Throughout her term, she has been an advocate for various causes, including displaying a transgender flag outside her office soon after taking office. 

Wexton said she is committed to spending her remaining time in Congress to “help build the future we want for our children.”Instagram/Rep. Jennifer Wexton

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