A top House Democrat revealed that she will have to make an emergency trip from Washington back home after a tragic death in her family.
Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell shared Wednesday afternoon on social media that she will be returning home to care for her family.
‘Today I am returning home to be with my family during an incredibly painful and deeply personal time,’ she wrote.
‘Our family’s 12-day-old daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter has returned home to God this afternoon. We have been in God’s hands throughout all of this.’
Dingell, 72, comes from a political dynasty that has represented Michigan for nearly 100 years.
She first came to Congress in 2015 to fill the seat vacated by her late husband, John Dingell Jr, who served in the House from 1955 until 2015.
Before that, John Dingell Sr held the seat since 1933, meaning the family has represented the district without interruption for 93 years.
‘While I had planned to be present for votes today and tomorrow, my family needs me now,’ the Congresswoman wrote in a follow-up post.
Democratic Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell announced that she has to make an emergency trip back home to help her family after a tragic death
Dingell, pictured above with former President Joe Biden, shared that her family lost a 12-day-old child tragically
‘In moments like this, there is no greater responsibility than being by the side of those we love, offering comfort, support, and remembrance.’
The Congresswoman’s colleagues immediately began paying their respects to the Democrat for her loss.
‘Sending our deepest condolences to Debbie,’ Republican Congressman Mike Lawler of New York posted. ‘Keeping her granddaughter and the entire Dingell family in our prayers.’
The Michigan Democratic Party wrote on X: ‘Our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with the Dingell family during this difficult time.’
The abrupt death means that Dingell will not be in Washington to vote on Capitol Hill for the remainder of the day.
She will miss at least seven votes occurring on Wednesday afternoon, according to the House of Representatives schedule.
Dingell does not have any children of her own but her late husband was a father of four.
