Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D) has received her diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy with the same grace seen throughout her career in politics. Her determination and positive attitude in the face of a serious prognosis remind us that Congress will lose a distinguished member and the people of Virginia will lose a dedicated representative when she retires.
Last spring, Ms. Wexton announced her battle with Parkinson’s disease but pledged to continue fighting for her competitive 10th Congressional District. Although she later discovered she had a rarer and more severe neurological condition with no chance of improvement, she considered running for re-election. However, Ms. Wexton, known for her practical approach, ultimately decided to spend her remaining time with her husband, sons, and dogs, Lady Bear and Wanda.
Without a doubt, Congress will be at a loss without Ms. Wexton. Throughout her professional life, she has tirelessly served Northern Virginia. She started as a prosecutor in Loudoun County and later became a member of the state Senate. During her time there, she advocated for practical improvements on issues such as the opioid epidemic, safety at day-care centers, and traffic congestion. In seeking a seat in the House of Representatives, Ms. Wexton presented herself as a level-headed policymaker focused on accomplishing goals rather than playing politics.
In addition to her pragmatic priorities like affordable health care and gun-safety measures, Ms. Wexton has also stood up for her principles. She gained national recognition for displaying a transgender pride flag outside her office in support of her niece. She has also dedicated time to address an issue that has both global and local implications: the repression of China’s Uyghurs, many of whom now reside in her district after escaping human rights abuses in their home country.
Ms. Wexton serves as a role model for public service in her position. As the House faces another partisan budget crisis, her colleagues should not only wish her well but also reflect on her example.
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