Tests 'rule out a new stroke' for Fetterman, spokesperson says

Sen. John Fetterman did not have a new stroke, doctors at The George Washington University Hospital determined after an MRI on Thursday, according a spokesperson for the senator.

“The results of the MRI, along with the results of all of the other tests the doctors ran, rule out a new stroke,” spokesperson Joe Calvello said in a tweet on Thursday evening.

Fetterman (D-Pa.) is being monitored for signs of seizure, but there have been no such signs so far, Cavello said.

The senator went to the hospital on Wednesday after feeling “lightheaded,” his office said in an an earlier statement.

Fetterman, 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. Initial tests did not show signs of a new stroke, but he was 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, suffered a stroke 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 atelevised 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.