Rep. Jose Serrano announced Monday that he has Parkinson’s disease and won’t seek a 16th term in 2020.
The 75-year-old New York Democrat said that despite the diagnosis, he would continue to serve out the remainder of his two-year term.
“After my diagnosis, I initially planned to continue my work representing the people of the South Bronx far into the future — a responsibility that brings me great joy,” Serrano said in a statement Monday. “Although this disease has not affected my work in Congress, over the last few months I’ve come to the realization that Parkinson’s will eventually take a toll, and that I cannot predict its rate of advancement.”
Parkinson’s disease, which can affect cognitive and motor function, is degenerative and has no cure; a fact that Serrano acknowledged in making his decision not to run.
“Because of this uncertainty, I do not intend to seek re-election in 2020. I do intend to serve the remainder of my term in the 116th Congress,” he added.
Serrano was first elected to Congress in a March 1990 special election. He represents New York’s 15th District, located in the Bronx. Freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., had planned to run against him in 2018, but instead successfully targeted former Democratic Rep. Joe Crowley.
Rep. Patrick Maloney, D-N.Y., said on Twitter Monday that he was praying for Serrano and his family.
“His decades of public service have made New York a better state. I’ll miss working with you in Congress,” Maloney wrote.
Serrano’s district was among the most Democratic-leaning in the country, with the party enjoying a 44-point voter registration advantage over Republicans.
