Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey announced on Thursday, Jan. 5 that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The Democrat revealed the news on Twitter to his over 400,000 followers and in a press release. 

The third-term sitting U.S. official is up for re-election for his fourth term in 2024, but faces a tough task ahead in a competitive state. A spokeswoman for Casey declined to comment on his chances of running again. 

“Last month, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer,” said Casey. “While this news came as a shock, I can report that I have an excellent prognosis, as well as the benefit of exceptional medical care and the unwavering support of my family.”

The “shock” prognosis did not stop Casey from being in Washington D.C. this past Tuesday, Jan. 3, to formally receive newly-elected Democratic Senator John Fetterman, one of two newly sworn-in Senators from Pennsylvania. 

Following the 2022 midterms this past November, Democrats now will have a 51-49 majority in the Senate. 

Casey said he will have surgery in the next few months for which his doctors say he will make a full recovery. He added that neither the surgery or the disease itself will affect his work. 

“In the coming months I will undergo surgery, after which I am expected to make a full recovery. I am confident that my recommended course of treatment will allow me to continue my service in the 118th Congress with minimal disruption, and I look forward to the work ahead,” he said. 

The 62-year old Senator was first elected in 2006. Casey was then re-elected in 2012 and 2018 despite that the state swung between Republicans and Democrats in the presidential race. The Democrat runs a moderate agenda in the Senate. 

He first entered Congress with a pro-gun rights position that separated him from his fellow Democrats, but in the years since, has helped to negotiate legislation such as background checks for purchasing firearms. 

The Senator also held an anti-abortion stance when first elected, however, in the wake of the Supreme Court revoking Roe v. Wade, Casey joined Democratic efforts to enact protections for access to procedures last year. 

Following Casey’s announcement, many came out in support, including fellow Pennsylvanian and State Senator Christine M. Tartaglione, of the 2nd District, who tweeted out in support of the longtime Senator. 

“I am keeping @SenBobCasey in my prayers. He is the ultimate fighter and Pennsylvania and Pennsylvanians are lucky to have him fighting for them in DC,” she tweeted. 

Other tweets of support came from fellow Pennsylvania and U.S. Representative Dwight Evans and former President & Director-Counsel of LDF (NAACP Legal Defense Fund) and lawyer, Sherrilyn Ifill.