Sen. Chris Van Hollen Of MD Suffers Minor Stroke, Hospitalized

MARYLAND — Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who is seeking his second term this year, suffered a stroke this weekend, he announced Sunday night.

Van Hollen, of Kensington, said he began feeling symptoms while speaking at the Western Maryland Democratic Summit at the Rocky Gap Casino and Resort Saturday.

“This weekend, I was admitted to George Washington University Hospital after experiencing lightheadedness and acute neck pain while I was delivering a speech in western Maryland," Vann Hollen said in his statement. "At the recommendation of the attending physician, I sought medical attention upon my return home. Earlier today, an angiogram indicated that I had experienced a minor stroke in the form of a small venous tear at the back of my head.

"Fortunately, I have been informed that there are no long-term effects or damage as a result of this incident, but my doctors have advised that out of an abundance of caution I remain under observation for a few days," the senator said. "I look forward to returning to work in the Senate later this week and thank the medical team for their excellent care.”

Saturday's Democratic was the first held since 2019 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“To see so many Democrats in Western Maryland packed into a room, it gives me great hope,” Van Hollen told the crowd, according to Maryland Matters.

Van Hollen said Democrats throughout the state should remember the party in Western Maryland needs their help.

“We need to make sure we do the work to get them over the finish line and help them to victory,” he said.

Van Hollen is a graduate of Swarthmore College, the John F. Kennedy School of Public Policy at Harvard University, and Georgetown University Law Center where he attended night school. He and his wife, Katherine Wilkens, are the parents of three children, Anna, Nicholas, and Alexander.