Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin announces he has cancer

Maryland congressman Jamie Raskin announced Wednesday he’s been diagnosed with cancer.

Raskin, a House Democrat and prominent member of the Jan. 6 Committee, said in a statement that after several days of tests he learned of his “serious but curable form of cancer.”

“I have been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, which is a serious but curable form of cancer,” he said.

“I am about to embark on a course of chemo-immunotherapy on an outpatient basis at Med Star Georgetown University Hospital and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prognosis for most people in my situation is excellent after four months of treatment.”

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Raskin also said he expected to work while fighting the disease, but he was cautioned by doctors to “reduce unnecessary exposure to avoid COVID-19, the flu and other viruses.”

“In addition to destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy impairs natural antibodies and undermines the body’s immune system,” Raskin added. “I am advised that it also causes hair loss and weight gain (although I am still holding out hope for the kind that causes hair gain and weight loss.)”

This is the second time Raskin has faced a cancer diagnosis after he previously fought colorectal cancer in 2010.

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Raskin, who is wrapping up his third term in Congress representing the 8th District in Maryland, faced an unthinkable tragedy at the end of 2020 when he announced the death of his 25-year-old son Thomas Bloom Raskin, who committed suicide. He and his wife said in a tribute soon after his heart-wrenching death that their beloved son had lost his battle with depression.

Last week, Raskin was elected ranking member of the House Oversight Committee when Congress reconvenes next week. As the panel’s top Democrat, Raskin is expected to be the chief defender of the White House in the Republican-led investigation of first son Hunter Biden’s overseas business interests and their possible connection to his father, the president.

Raskin has been a fierce critic of Trump and was the lead House impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment trial following the siege at the Capitol.

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“With the benefit of early detection and fine doctors, the help of my extraordinary staff, the love of Sarah and our daughters and sons-in-law (actual and to-be) and family and friends, and the support of my beloved constituents and my colleagues in the House, I plan to get through this and, in the meantime, to keep making progress every day in Congress for American democracy,” said Raskin.

“My love and solidarity go out to other families managing cancer or any other health condition in this holiday season—and all the doctors, nurses and medical personnel who provide us comfort and hope.”

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The Jan. 6 Committee has been investigating the riot at the Capitol and the events surrounding it. The panel issued its last report last week and is expected to cease when the new GOP-controlled House is sworn in on Jan. 3.

With Post Wires