Virginia’s Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton made the announcement on Monday morning that she would serve out the remainder of her time in Congress but would not run for reelection due to health reasons.
Wexton received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis a few months ago, but according to a statement she made on Monday, her doctor “modified my diagnosis to Supra-nuclear Palsy – a kind of ‘Parkison’s on Steroids’.”
She stated, “After so many years of helping my community, I’m heartbroken to have to give up something I’ve cherished. I have decided not to run for reelection after my term is up and will instead spend my precious time with Andrew, our boys, & my friends and loved ones. However, I have taken into consideration the prognosis for my health over the following years.
In 2018, when Wexton was a member of the rookie class that assisted Democrats in retaking control of the House, she was first elected to represent her northern Virginia congressional district. Wexton upset then-GOP Rep. Barbara Comstock in that 2018 election, turning her district blue. Wexton is a participant in the budget and appropriations committees.
Wexton served in the Virginia state senate, served as a judge, and worked as an assistant Commonwealth attorney before winning election to Congress.
Biden would have won the congressional district by 18 percentage points in 2020, and Wexton gained reelection by 6.4 percentage points in 2022. In 2024, the district might be more competitive if there isn’t an incumbent. The 10th congressional district of Virginia extends south through Fauquier County from parts of the western DC suburbs of Leesburg and Loudoun County. Additionally, a small portion of Fairfax County in Northern Virginia is included in the district.