Politics can be a stressful job. It can drive your health straight into the ground.
And now a U.S. Congressman was rushed to the hospital with a terrifying diagnosis.
South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson (R-Springdale), 77, faced a medical scare on Tuesday night, being hospitalized for “stroke-like symptoms” after a fall during an event in Washington, D.C.
“Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) was taken ill and is being evaluated at a local hospital in Washington, DC,” his office shared on X, confirming his condition.
Wilson, who has served South Carolina’s 2nd District since 2001, experienced these symptoms, as confirmed by his son, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.
“I just spoke to my mom who is currently at the hospital with my father. Doctors have confirmed to us that he has experienced stroke-like symptoms,” Alan Wilson shared on X.
“I was able to speak with him moments ago, and I am incredibly thankful that he is stable and being monitored by medical professionals.”
Wilson was attending a Ukrainian Independence Day celebration, according to Politico, where he was treated by a doctor who happened to be present at the event.
His colleagues from the South Carolina delegation voiced their support after hearing the news.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) offered his well-wishes, saying, “Praying for a full and speedy recovery for my friend.”
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) also showed her support, stating, “Prayers up for Congressman Wilson and his family tonight. Have spoken to the family and I ask we all send a positive vibe and a prayer his way tonight and may he recover as fast as humanly possible.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Wilson had participated in two voting sessions on the House floor and was reportedly in good spirits, even joking with reporters on Capitol Hill, according to NBC News. Congress had just reconvened following a month-long summer recess.
As Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, Wilson had recently completed visits to the Philippines, Australia, and Europe, where he met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
He then returned to South Carolina to continue campaigning for his re-election against Democrat David Robinson II.
Wilson’s district includes key areas in western and central South Carolina, such as Lexington and Aiken counties.
The congressman is perhaps best remembered for his infamous “you lie!” outburst during then-President Obama’s 2009 joint address to Congress.
Obama had been discussing his health-care plan, stating that claims of illegal immigrants gaining coverage were false, which led to Wilson’s outburst.
In response, the House voted 240-179, mostly along party lines, to “disapprove” of Wilson’s actions, labeling his remark as a “breach of decorum” that “degraded the proceedings” and brought “discredit” to Congress.
While Wilson apologized to the White House, he firmly stood by his belief that the nation faced “far more important issues.”
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
