Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) was briefly hospitalized Wednesday morning after becoming lightheaded during a workout at the Senate gym, according to a statement from his office. The 74-year-old Democrat was reportedly treated for dehydration before returning to work at the Capitol later that day.
The incident occurred as a heat wave swept across Washington, D.C., with temperatures nearing triple digits. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the area, urging residents to stay hydrated and limit exposure to the sun.
“Leader Schumer was at the Senate gym this morning and got lightheaded. Out of an abundance of caution, he went to the hospital to be treated for dehydration and is now back at work in the Capitol,” a spokesperson said. “He wants to remind everyone to drink some water and stay out of the heat.”
Schumer had appeared at a press conference earlier in the day alongside the families of victims from Continental Flight 3407. He gave brief remarks but did not take questions, according to NBC News.
The National Weather Service advised residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, wear loose clothing, and check on vulnerable individuals.
Despite the health scare, Schumer continued his public-facing duties, issuing a statement praising radical socialist Zohran Mamdani, who defeated Andrew Cuomo in New York City’s mayoral primary.
“I spoke with [Mamdani] this morning and am looking forward to getting together soon,” Schumer said in a post on X.
The hospitalization is likely to raise questions about the aging leadership in the Democratic Party, as Schumer joins a growing list of lawmakers facing health concerns while still holding top positions in government.