Fetterman hospitalized overnight for observation after feeling lightheaded

Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman was hospitalized overnight “for observation” after feeling lightheaded but did not show any signs of suffering another stroke, his office announced late Wednesday night.

“Towards the end of the Senate Democratic retreat today, Senator John Fetterman began feeling lightheaded. He left and called his staff, who picked him up and drove him to The George Washington University Hospital. Initial tests did not show evidence of a new stroke, but doctors are running more tests and John is remaining overnight for observation,” Joe Calvello, Fetterman’s communications director, said in the statement.

It’s been less than a year since Fetterman suffered a stroke he said almost killed him. Despite being off the campaign trail for nearly three months, Fetterman handily defeated his Republican opponent, celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, in November.

Calvello said Wednesday Fetterman was “in good spirits and talking with his staff and family.”

Any extended absence for Fetterman, 53, would leave Democrats with a tenuous majority, especially after Sen. Kirsten Sinema. I-ariz., left the party. Even with her vote on most issues, Democrats have a 51-49 edge. Given the Republican majority in the House, no major legislation is expected, but any absence could affect Senate Democrats’ ability to approve President Joe Biden’s nominations.

Oz made Fetterman’s health a major part of his campaign, accusing Fetterman of not being transparent about his health and questioning his fitness to serve.

Since his swearing-in in January, Fetterman has kept a full schedule, participating in his first Senate hearings, flying on Air Force One to Philadelphia for an appearance with Biden last week, and attending the State of the Union on Tuesday. In an interview last month, his wife, Gisele, said her husband’s only lingering issue from the stroke was auditory processing challenges.