Fetterman hospitalized after feeling ‘lightheaded’

Sen. John Fetterman went to the hospital Wednesday evening after feeling “lightheaded,” his office said in a statement.

Fetterman (D-Pa.), who suffered a stroke last May, left the Senate Democratic retreat on Wednesday and called his staff, who drove him to The George Washington University Hospital in Washington. While initial tests did not show signs of a new stroke, doctors are continuing to run tests, and Fetterman was being kept overnight “for observation,” his office said.

“He is in good spirits and talking with his staff and family,” his office said. “We will provide more information when we have it.”

Fetterman, 53, had been recovering from the stroke he suffered in May — just days before the primary election — while campaigning for his Senate seat, winning the primary while still in the hospital and ultimately beating Republican candidate Mehmet Oz in the November election. The Pennsylvania Democrat’s cardiologist has said Fetterman suffers from both atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy.

His recovery became a major contention point during the campaign, especially after a televised debate with Oz in which Fetterman stumbled over words and struggled to string sentences together. Some Republicans questioned his ability to work as a senator, while supporters of Fetterman applauded his bravery.