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By Josh Christenson

April 11, 2023 | 3:38pm

Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) revealed on Twitter Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, but has no plans to step down after being elected to a third House term in November.

If theres one thing that Democrats and Republicans can agree on, its that Parkinsons disease sucks, the 54-year-old Wexton said in a video statement about the brain disorder, which affects more than 8 million people including nearly 1 million Americans.

Today on World Parkinsons Day, Im here to tell you that I have come to learn this firsthand, she added.

Wexton, whose Northern Virginia district covers the outer western suburbs and exurbs of Washington DC, said she was doing well despite the diagnosis and hopes to remain in office for many years.

Im not going to let Parkinsons stop me from being me, she vowed. I hope to keep serving you for many years to come.

Wexton went on to say that Parkinsons is not an untreatable disease, cognitive impairment or death sentence.

It starts in the brain and affects peoples bodies in different ways.

Over the past few months, it has primarily affected my speech and how my mouth moves. You may notice I speak more quickly now. It also has affected how I walk and keep my balance, she explained.

You are welcome to empathize, but dont feel sorry for me. Im working with my doctor on a treatment plan that addresses my symptoms.

Wexton was first elected to Congress in 2018 and defeated Republican challenger Hung Cao in 2022 by nearly six percentage points, holding a seat that many pundits thought would fall in the expected GOP red wave.

During one debate with Cao in October, Wexton struggled to speak while answering a question about ongoing US support for Ukraine following Russias invasion generating speculation that she suffered some kind of episode, according to a C-SPAN user clip of the exchange.

Wexton nevertheless maintains the diagnosis will not prevent her from performing her official duties.

The treatment process is one that requires time and commitment, so youre going to see me have some good days and some days that are not so good, Wexton said.

But I want you to know this: My head and my heart are 100% committed to serving the people of Virginia, and especially my constituents in the 10th Congressional District.

Wexton also noted that with her diagnosis, she joined public figures like [actor] Michael J. Fox, [late] Attorney General Janet Reno and [boxer] Muhammad Ali.

Like them, I too am a fighter.

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Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton reveals she has Parkinsons disease and says it 'sucks' - New York Post