Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen suffers minor stroke on-stage while giving speech, hospitalised

Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat Senator, suffered a minor stroke during his speech in Maryland over the weekend and was hospitalized. He declared the news through his social media post on Sunday.

In his post on Facebook and Twitter, Chris shared that he had felt lightheadedness and severe pain in the neck while giving the speech. He had asked for medical attention, and an angiogram showed a small tear in a vein at the back of his head.

Senator further shared that he was fortunate not to have long-term effects or damage from the stroke. However, doctors have advised him to stay under observation for a few days as a precautionary measure. Van Hollen thanked the medical team for their excellent care and will return to work later this week.


This year, Van Hollen may win the re-election due to a lack of strong opposition. The Maryland seat could be critical if Democrats want to keep their 50-50 majority in the chamber.

Chris Van Hollen became the Maryland senator in 2016. He serves on the banking, budget, housing, foreign relations, urban affairs, and appropriations committees.

After the news of his stroke became public, Van Hollen received good wishes from his fellow Democrats, Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger and Rep. Jamie Raskin. Brandon Scott, Baltimore Mayor, also wished him a quick recovery.

Hollen was not the only one to be admitted to the hospital over the weekend. Pennsylvania Senate candidate, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, was also hospitalized for a stroke concerning atrial fibrillation and is expected to make a complete recovery.

"The good news is I'm feeling much better, and the doctore tell me I didn't suffer any cognitive damage. I'm well on my to a full recovery." Fetterman said in a statement on Sunday.