Sen. Chris Murphy Hospitalized After Stroke, Office Says He is Awake & Alert/ NEWSLOOKS/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy was hospitalized after suffering a stroke Saturday, his office announced Sunday. The 53-year-old Democrat is awake, alert and responding well to treatment at Johns Hopkins. His staff expressed optimism about a full recovery as lawmakers from both parties offered support.
Quick Look
- Stroke symptoms: Murphy experienced arm numbness while attending his son’s hockey game Saturday.
- Hospital treatment: He was initially taken to a local hospital before being transferred to Johns Hopkins.
- Current condition: His office said he is awake, alert and responding well to treatment.
- Recovery outlook: Doctors are encouraged by his progress, according to his chief of staff.
- Senate career: Murphy was elected to the Senate in 2012 after serving in the House.
- Campaign activity: He had been traveling to support Democratic candidates ahead of Tuesday’s elections.
- Bipartisan support: Democratic and Republican senators offered encouragement and prayers.
- Trump’s response: The president said he was surprised to learn of Murphy’s stroke.
Deep Look
Murphy Hospitalized After Experiencing Arm Numbness
Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy is receiving treatment after suffering a stroke Saturday while attending his son’s hockey game, his office announced Sunday.
The 53-year-old Democrat remains awake and alert, and his medical team is encouraged by his progress, according to his chief of staff, Allison Herwitt.
Murphy “started experiencing numbness in his arm while at his son’s hockey game,” Herwitt said.
“He was taken to a local hospital, where it was discovered he had experienced a stroke,” she said. “He was transferred to Johns Hopkins for further monitoring and is responding well to treatment. The doctors are encouraged by his progress, he is awake and alert, and we are optimistic he will make a full recovery.”
Hospitalization Follows Busy Campaign Schedule
Murphy’s hospitalization came during the closing days of the midterm campaign, as Democrats worked to win control of the House and Senate.
Murphy, who is not on Tuesday’s ballot, had been traveling to support candidates around the country.
On Friday, he posted about campaigning in Connecticut for Gov. Ned Lamont. Earlier in the week, he shared updates from Minnesota, where he campaigned with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, the Democratic Senate nominee.
His campaign appearances followed an early October trip to the Middle East, where he met with several leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
In early September, Murphy completed his annual “walk across Connecticut,” traveling approximately 70 miles over four days and speaking with residents about their concerns.
Prominent Democrat Has Served in Senate Since 2013
Murphy won election to the House in 2006 and the Senate in 2012.
He serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee and has become a prominent Democratic voice on immigration and gun policy.
Murphy is considered a potential contender for higher-ranking Senate leadership positions and is among the Democrats discussed as possible presidential candidates in 2028.
Lawmakers From Both Parties Offer Support
Democratic and Republican colleagues expressed concern and wished Murphy a full recovery.
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman said Sunday on social media that his family “is rooting for Chris and his family for a full and speedy recovery.”
Republican Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Pete Ricketts of Nebraska also offered prayers.
President Donald Trump said he was “really surprised” to learn that Murphy had suffered a stroke.
“Nobody wants to have that,” Trump said.
Connecticut’s other senator, Democrat Richard Blumenthalexpressed confidence that Murphy would return to work.
“Thinking of my great friend & colleague, Chris Murphy,” Blumenthal wrote Sunday. “I know how fiercely he fights & I’m certain I’ll be welcoming him back to the Senate soon.”
Other Senators Have Recovered From Strokes
Three other Democratic senators have experienced strokes in recent years.
New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Lujan and Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen both suffered strokes in 2022 and subsequently recovered.
Fetterman also suffered a stroke that year while campaigning for his Senate seat. He uses adaptive technology, including live captioning on a phone or tablet, to transcribe spoken words and help him process conversations.
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