Rep. Jennifer Wexton Vows to Continue Work in Congress Despite Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., revealed on Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In a video message shared on social media, Wexton, 54, said the neurological disease has mainly been affecting her speech and how her mouth moves.

“It starts in the brain, and affects people’s bodies in different ways,” Wexton said. “Over the past few months, it has primarily affected my speech and how my mouth moves.”

Wexton said she is “doing well” and has a “positive attitude” and hopes to be a voice for those coping with the disease. She also vowed to continue her work in Congress, saying, “I’m not going to let Parkinson’s stop me from being me.”

Wexton, who is serving her third term from a competitive district in Northern Virginia suburbs near Washington, did not specify when she received the diagnosis. She said she hopes to use her platform to fight for greater resources toward the search for a cure.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, often including tremors. It is estimated that more than 10 million people worldwide are living with the disease. There is currently no cure, but treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms.