US Senator Chris Murphy Hospitalized After Suffering Stroke

“Yesterday afternoon, Senator Murphy started experiencing numbness in his arm while at his son’s hockey game,” Allison Herwitt, chief of staff, said Sunday.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., 53, was hospitalized Saturday after suffering a stroke, according to his chief of staff. After beginning to experience numbness in his arm at his son’s hockey game, Murphy was taken to a local hospital where doctors discovered he had experienced a stroke.

Hospital Transfer and Medical Progress

Herwitt stated that Murphy was subsequently transferred to Johns Hopkins for further monitoring. He is currently responding well to treatment, and doctors are encouraged by his progress.

The doctors are encouraged by his progress, he is awake and alert, and we are optimistic he will make a full recovery, Herwitt said.

Reactions From State and Federal Officials

Following the public announcement of his hospitalization, politicians from across the political spectrum shared statements of support and well wishes for the senator, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 2013.

US Senator Chris Murphy Hospitalized After Suffering Stroke — Photo: nbcconnecticut.com

Gov. Ned Lamont noted that he had been with Murphy just days prior. Just two days ago, Lamont said, I was with Senator Chris Murphy doing what he loves most: encouraging Connecticut residents to make their voices heard and vote on Tuesday. There is no stronger advocate for our democracy, and no one who fights harder for the people of this state.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz added that she was with Murphy on Friday evening as he energetically encouraged voters to participate in the upcoming election, stating she looked forward to continuing their joint efforts to support the people of Connecticut and wishing him a speedy recovery. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., expressed confidence in his colleague’s return: Thinking of my great friend and colleague, Chris Murphy. I know how fiercely he fights and I’m certain I’ll be welcoming him back to the Senate soon.

Bipartisan Support Across Connecticut

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong offered words of encouragement, calling Murphy the toughest fighter he knows for the state and country and stating that he has no doubt the senator will fight through the challenge and get back on the front lines. State Sen. Stephen Harding (R-30) also shared supportive remarks, stating that officials were encouraged to learn Murphy is responding well to treatment and making progress.

Additional well wishes came from Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, who called Murphy an unwavering champion and fighter for working-class residents and families; state Sen. Ryan Fazio; Roberto Alves, chairman of the Connecticut Democratic Party, who described Murphy as a workhorse tirelessly campaigning for Democratic candidates; and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, who said, Sending well wishes to my friend Senator Chris Murphy. Mary and I are holding you and your family in our thoughts, and are very happy to hear that you are already doing better. Connecticut is cheering for your quick recovery! Furthermore, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-11) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-25) released a joint statement expressing relief upon hearing Murphy would make a full recovery, calling him a champion for Connecticut, a core value of the nation, and a steadfast defender of democracy at home and abroad, while also adding, We wish Chris a full, speedy recovery and return to work.