State Sen. John Bell to not seek reelection and will begin treatment for cancer
“I have some difficult personal news to share today,” Bell says in his statement. “After some recent testing, I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer."
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State Sen. John Bell will not seek reelection and will begin treatment for cancer
State Sen. John Bell (D-Loudoun) announced Thursday that he will be receiving treatment for prostate cancer and is not going to seek reelection later this year.
“I have some difficult personal news to share today,” Bell says in his statement. “After some recent testing, I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have a number of excellent treatment options I’m currently considering, and I’m very fortunate to have access to the world-class healthcare that is available in our area. My doctors tell me that they are confident I will be able to be successfully treated and even cured. I’m thankful that my cancer has been caught so early, and I’m incredibly blessed to have a great team behind me. The prognosis for me is very positive, and I know how lucky I am to be in this position when there are so many other cancer patients who are far less fortunate.”
He points out that he recognizes the challenges he would be facing in spending time with his family, running a campaign, and working while receiving treatment for cancer.
“For this reason, I have made the incredibly difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate of Virginia,” Bell wrote. “Serving in the General Assembly has been a great honor and a privilege that I will always cherish. I come from a humble background, and it still amazes me that I have had the opportunity to serve in the same body as great Americans like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and so many others. I’m so grateful to the constituents of the 13th Senate District and the 87th House District who have given me the great honor of representing them over the last eight years. I would also like to thank all of my colleagues in the General Assembly for their support as we tackled our Commonwealth’s biggest challenges together. I especially want to thank all of my staff, past and present, and the volunteers who have worked so hard with me over the years to put me in a position to serve the people of Loudoun and Prince William Counties. Lastly, I want to sincerely thank my family, and especially my wife Margaret, who has tirelessly supported me in every step of this journey.”
Bell says he will complete his term and will continue to work with constituents through his office until his successor takes over.
Del. Suhas Subramanyam (D) sent out a press release soon after Bell’s announcement declaring his candidacy for the seat — SD-32.
“Senator Bell is a friend and a mentor, and you would be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated public servant. I am so grateful for his decades of service in the military and in public office, and we as Virginians have him to thank for so much of the progress we have made since he took office eight years ago,” Subramanyam stated. “I know that I have big shoes to fill, but if elected to the Senate, I will continue the work I started as a Delegate to empower my constituents, put people and families before special interests, and stand up for our core values.”
SD-32 is a Democratic district that Terry McAuliffe won by 21 points according to analysis from VPAP.
Greg Moulthrop has filed to run as a Republican.
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