Sen. Fetterman Remains Hospitalized, Tests Rule Out Second Stroke

WASHINGTON D.C. – Pennsylvania Sen. John FettermanWho had a stroke during his campaign last YearAfter feeling lightheaded, he was admitted to the hospital and continues to undergo tests. His office reported that tests have been negative for seizure or stroke.

Fetterman’s communication director Joe Calvello stated that a MRI at George Washington University Hospital and other tests by doctors have ruled out a new stroke. He made the statement on Thursday evening.

Fetterman was being monitored with an electroencephalogram (EEG) — an instrument that measures brainwaves — for signs of a seizure, Calvello said.

“So far there are no signs of seizure, but he is still being monitored,” Calvello said.

Calvello didn’t give any information about Fetterman leaving the hospital but said that Fetterman was out of town on Wednesday. “in good spirits and talking with his staff and family.”

Fetterman felt lightheaded Wednesday at a Democratic retreat in Washington. He went to the hospital and stayed overnight for testing.

After a long-fought battle against Mehmet Oz, the GOP nominee, Fetterman (53) won the seat currently held by Pat Toomey. Fetterman, who was also the lieutenant governor of the seat, beat Mehmet Oz by 5 percentage points. This was a crucial step in ensuring Democrats hold the Senate majority. The campaign was the most expensive Senate race of 2022, with more than $300 million spent.

On May 13, his campaign was halted when he suffered a near fatal stroke, just days before the Democratic primary. He spent most of the remainder of the campaign in rehabilitation, refusing to release any of his medical records or answer questions from reporters.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 9: John Fetterman greets supporters after declaring victory in Pittsburgh, Pa., early Wednesday morning, November 9, 2022. (Photo by Joe Lamberti, The Washington Post via Getty Images).

Oz raised questions about whether Fetterman was truthful about the stroke’s effects, and whether Fetterman was able to serve. However, the Democrat maintained that his doctors believed he could make a complete recovery.

Fetterman was left with auditory processing disorder after the stroke. This is a common side effect that can make it difficult for someone to communicate fluidly and quickly translate spoken words into meaning.

Fetterman’s performance in the fall campaign’s sole debate was an indication of the stroke’s effects. Fetterman struggled to complete sentences, and his jumbled words were clear signs.

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He told his cheering supporters that he had run for the election on election night. “anyone that ever got knocked down that got back up.”

Fetterman, who stood at 6’8″ and was well known for his clean-shaven appearance and goatee, was lieutenant governor between 2019-2023. From 2006 to 2019, he was the mayor of Braddock in Pennsylvania.