John Fetterman In Hospital Again; 2nd Stay In 2 Weeks For PA Senator

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman has checked himself into a hospital to receive treatment for clinical depression, his staff announced on Thursday.

Fetterman, who suffered a near-fatal stroke while campaigning for the Senate seat last year, checked into Walter Reed National Military Center Wednesday night, according to Adam Jentleson, his chief of staff.

“While John has experienced depression off and on throughout his life, it only became severe in recent weeks,” Jentleson said in a statement.

“On Monday, John was evaluated by Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician of the United States Congress. Yesterday, Dr. Monahan recommended inpatient care at Walter Reed. John agreed, and he is receiving treatment on a voluntary basis.

"After examining John, the doctors at Walter Reed told us that John is getting the care he needs, and will soon be back to himself."

Fetterman's wife, Giselle, said via Twitter: "After what he’s been through in the past year, there’s probably no one who wanted to talk about his own health less than John. I’m so proud of him for asking for help and getting the care he needs."

Fetterman was hospitalized last week for several days after becoming lightheaded at a Democratic Senate event, but his aides said he did not suffer another stroke.

Fetterman's cardiologist said last year following his stroke that Fetterman suffers from both atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy.

Fetterman, 53, is Pennsylvania's former lieutenant governor and the former mayor of Braddock, a municipality near Pittsburgh.