Sen. Chris Murphy hospitalized after suffering stroke

Andrew Pantazi

Sen. Chris Murphy enters the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 7, 2026. — Sen. Chris Murphy arrives at the U.S. Capitol on Aug. 7. Photo: Finn Gomez/Getty Images

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) suffered a stroke Saturday and is being treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital, his office said Sunday.

The big picture: Murphy is one of the Senate's more visible Democrats and has been traveling the country campaigning ahead of Tuesday's midterms.

Driving the news: Murphy, 53, began experiencing numbness in his arm while attending his son's hockey game Saturday, according to a statement from his chief of staff, Allison Herwitt.

He was taken to a hospital where doctors determined he had suffered a stroke and transferred him to Johns Hopkins for monitoring.

What they're saying: "The doctors are encouraged by his progress, he is awake and alert, and we are optimistic he will make a full recovery," Herwitt said in a statement.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), who suffered a stroke during his 2022 Senate campaign, said in a statement he understands "all too well how much this impacts your life" and that his family is rooting for Murphy's recovery.

What's next: The statement did not specify the severity of the stroke or when Murphy might be discharged.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement by Sen. Fetterman.

Add Axios on Google

Sen. Chris Murphy hospitalized after suffering stroke

What to read next