A prominent Democratic senator will be absent from Washington for several weeks after suffering a stroke, leaving his party temporarily short-handed as lawmakers prepare to return to Capitol Hill following the midterm elections.
Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, 53, was discharged from Johns Hopkins Hospital on Friday after spending nearly a week receiving treatment for a stroke that began with symptoms during his son’s hockey game.
The senator is now preparing to undergo several weeks of rehabilitation before returning to his regular duties in Washington.
Murphy’s office confirmed the development Friday, providing an update on his condition and explaining that the senator would remain away from Senate votes while recovering.
The medical emergency began October 31, when Murphy reportedly experienced numbness in his arm while attending his son’s hockey game.
Recognizing that something was wrong, the senator called 911.
He was initially transported to a local hospital, where physicians determined that he had suffered a stroke.
Murphy was subsequently transferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital for additional monitoring and treatment.
His chief of staff, Allison Herwitt, publicly disclosed the hospitalization on November 1, explaining that the senator was awake, alert and responding to medical care.
Doctors later identified the incident as a small hemorrhagic stroke involving bleeding in the thalamus region of Murphy’s brain.
Dr. Jose Suarez, chief of neurosciences critical care at Johns Hopkins, reported that Murphy had made substantial progress during his hospitalization.
Suarez expressed optimism that the senator could make a full recovery if his improvement continued.
“The doctors are very encouraged by the progress I’ve made so far,” Murphy said Friday.
The Connecticut Democrat explained that he had decided to spend several weeks in rehabilitation to give himself the best opportunity to recover and resume his congressional responsibilities.
He also thanked the medical professionals who treated him and acknowledged the frightening experience his family had endured.
While Murphy remains away from Capitol Hill, he intends to stay in contact with his Senate colleagues and staff members remotely.
His office will continue handling constituent services and legislative priorities throughout his recovery.
However, the absence could have political consequences when the Senate reconvenes Monday, November 9.
The chamber is scheduled to return at 3 p.m. Eastern following the midterm elections, with Republicans still holding control during the remaining weeks of the current Congress.
Republicans currently occupy 53 Senate seats, while Democrats and the two independents who caucus with them collectively hold 47.
With Murphy temporarily unavailable, the Democratic caucus would have 46 members able to participate if every other senator attended.
That reduced attendance could become relevant during closely divided votes involving nominations, legislation and procedural motions.
Although Republicans already possess a Senate majority, individual absences and defections can influence the outcome of contested measures.
Most Senate questions require a simple majority for passage, while ending debate on most legislation generally requires 60 votes.
Murphy’s temporary absence does not change that usual 60-vote threshold because he remains a sitting senator.
The political circumstances are particularly noteworthy following Tuesday’s elections, which will change the balance of power when the next Congress begins in January, per the Conservative Brief.
For now, however, Republicans retain their existing majority through the final weeks of the current congressional session.
Murphy began his third Senate term in January 2025 after winning reelection to represent Connecticut.
He currently serves on several influential committees, including Appropriations, Foreign Relations, and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
His office has not announced an exact date for his return to voting.
Nevertheless, the senator and his doctors have expressed optimism about his progress, with rehabilitation now becoming the immediate priority.
As Congress resumes its work Monday, Murphy’s absence will leave Democrats without one of their prominent members while he continues recovering from the medical emergency.
