Fetterman Released From Hospital After Treatment For Depression

PENNSYLVANIA — Sen. John Fetterman was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Friday after receiving treatment for clinical depression.

Joe Calvello, Fetterman's spokesperson, said Fetterman is back in Braddock and will spend time with his family before returning to Washington, D.C., on April 17 when the Senate session resumes.

Medical issues have been at the forefront for the 53-year-old for months, since long before he was elected in a tight race over Republican challenger Mehmet Oz in the fall's midterms.

He suffered a stroke in April 2022, was hospitalized in February after becoming lightheaded during a Democratic event and then committed himself to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

"I am so happy to be home. I am excited to be the husband and father I want to be, and the senator Pennsylvania deserves," Fetterman said in a statement Friday.

He also thanked the staff at Walter Reed.

"The care they provided changed my life. I will have more to say about this soon, but for now I want everyone to know that depression is treatable, and treatment works," he said. "This isn’t about politics — right now there are people who are suffering with depression in red counties and blue counties. If you need help, please get help.

Fetterman's absence in the Senate has coincided with the medically-caused absences of two other prominent Senators, Mitch McConnell and Diane Feinstein. McConnell is slated to return at the same time as Fetterman.