Lawmakers send McCain well wishes after cancer diagnosis

Lawmakers encouraged Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and shared well wishes after it was announced Wednesday night that he had been diagnosed with a form of brain cancer. 

“John McCain is a hero to our Conference and a hero to our country,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said in a statement Wednesday night. “He has never shied from a fight and I know that he will face this challenge with the same extraordinary courage that has characterized his life.”

McCain, a former naval pilot who earned a Silver Star for his valor in combat during the Vietnam War, was diagnosed with a brain tumor called glioblastoma at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix. 

Lawmakers from both parties took to twitter to share their support and admiration for McCain. 

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) tweeted at McCain, saying “you are a true fighter and I’ll be praying for you until you beat this. I know you will.”

.@SenJohnMcCain, you are a true fighter & I’ll be praying for you until you beat this. I know you will.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 20, 2017

“My thoughts and prayers are with @SenJohnMcCain, a true hero” said Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.). “Cancer is up against one of America’s toughest fighters.”

My thoughts and prayers are with @SenJohnMcCain, a true hero. Cancer is up against one of Anerica’s toughest fighters.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) July 20, 2017 

In a tweet, Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) called McCain “a man of principle, integrity, and the father to a loving family” in a tweet. “The entire country is with him in this fight.” 

.@SenJohnMcCain is a man of principle, integrity, and the father to a loving family. The entire country is with him in this fight.

— Dean Heller (@SenDeanHeller) July 20, 2017

Read more lawmaker reactions below:

Praying for my friend @SenJohnMcCain, one of the toughest people I know.

— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) July 20, 2017

Just spoke to @SenJohnMcCain. Tough diagnosis, but even tougher man.

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) July 20, 2017

John and I have been friends for 40 years. He’s gotten through so much difficulty with so much grace. He is strong – and he will beat this.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 20, 2017

As he’s shown his entire life, don’t bet against John McCain. Best wishes to him for a swift recovery.

— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) July 20, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with @SenJohnMcCain, a true hero. Cancer is up against one of Anerica’s toughest fighters.

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) July 20, 2017

My thoughts are with John McCain and his family tonight. A true fighter and American hero.

— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) July 20, 2017

Heidi and I will be lifting up John, Cindy, and his entire family in our prayers in wake of his recent diagnosis… https://t.co/EctBvRHD67

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) July 20, 2017

Karen & I are praying for @SenJohnMcCain. Cancer picked on the wrong guy. John McCain is a fighter & he’ll win this fight too. God bless!

— Vice President Pence (@VP) July 20, 2017

Senator John McCain is a fighter and true, bonafide American hero. We’re behind him every step of the way. Cancer picked on the wrong guy.

— Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) July 20, 2017

John McCain is as tough as they come. Thinking of John, Cindy, their wonderful children, & their whole family tonight.

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2017