Virginia Representative Jennifer Wexton to Step Down in 2024 Due to Worsening Health Condition

Virginia Representative Jennifer Wexton has announced that she will not seek re-election in 2024 due to a worsening health condition. Wexton, who flipped a GOP-held seat in the 2018 midterms, shared in a statement that she has been diagnosed with Progressive Supra-nuclear Palsy, which she described as “Parkinson’s on steroids.”

Wexton, 55, first announced in April that she had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which she said was impacting her balance, mouth movement, and speech. She sought out additional medical opinions and testing, and her doctors modified her diagnosis to Progressive Supra-nuclear Palsy.

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare neurological disorder that affects eye movements, body movements and walking and balance. Wexton said that this modified diagnosis has more imminent implications, and she believes that honesty is the most important value in public service, so she wanted to be honest with her constituents.

Wexton has been a representative for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District since 2019. She has been a vocal advocate for gun control, healthcare reform, and women’s rights. In a statement, Wexton said, “I am proud of the work I have done in Congress and the impact I have had on the lives of my constituents.”

Wexton’s seat will be up for grabs in the 2024 election. It is unclear who will run for the seat, but it is sure to be a hotly contested race. Wexton has not yet announced who she will be endorsing for the seat.