Marylanders & Political Officials Wish Governor Well After Cancer Diagnosis
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Governor Larry Hogan shocks the state with news that cancer has spread throughout his body.
Meghan McCorkell speaks to stunned Marylanders and fellow politicians.
Many say they are shocked by the governor's diagnosis and are praying for his speedy recovery.
Months after fighting to win the governor's seat, Larry Hogan is in the fight of his life.
"He hasn't been in office for a very long time, and I heard that it's a very advanced case of cancer," one person said.
Marylanders are in shock that the governor is battling an aggressive form of cancer.
"Anytime you have someone that affected by a disease such as cancer, it's sad," one person said.
"The job of the governor is probably really stressful," said another.
But state Senator Catherine Pugh is confident in the governor's ability to lead.
"I don't doubt his leadership or his ability to continue his agenda," she said.
Pugh, who worked alongside Hogan during the Baltimore unrest, says he still has a lot to accomplish.
"We've done some positive things. We've got some things we're still working on and some things we're still pushing him for. So I know that he is going to have a great recovery," she said.
Well wishes are also pouring in for Governor Hogan online.
You can beat this @LarryHogan. You will be in @ColumbaBush and my prayers.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) June 22, 2015
Pulling for you, @LarryHogan. Team MD is on your side for a complete and speedy recovery.
— Barbara Mikulski (@SenatorBarb) June 22, 2015
.@LarryHogan Katie and I are sending our thoughts & prayers to you and your family, and wishing you the best in overcoming this challenge. — Martin O'Malley (@GovernorOMalley) June 22, 2015
Former gubernatorial challenger Anthony Brown writes:
"Wishing Larry Hogan strength and a swift recovery as he fights this terrible disease."
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, tweeting:
This is a moment for all of us to stand together in unity and prayer behind our Governor.
— Mayor Rawlings-Blake (@MayorSRB) June 22, 2015
The head of the Republican National Committee writes:
"Gov. Larry Hogan is a fighter, and we're confident he will fight this cancer head on. We are praying for him and for his family for strength in the days ahead," said Chairman Reince Priebus.
And that's just what the governor says he plans to do as he works while receiving treatment.
Hey Gov. @LarryHogan. We've got your back. #BeatCancer
— Keiffer Mitchell (@KeifferMitchell) June 22, 2015
My thoughts are with Gov. @LarryHogan and his family during this time. With his grit and determination, I have no doubt he can beat this.
— Doug Gansler (@DougGansler) June 22, 2015
Senator Ben Cardin releases the following statement:
"Those of us who have worked with Governor Larry Hogan know he is a fighter. I know the governor also enjoys the love of an amazing family. The Hogan family will be in my thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult time together. Governor Hogan should know that he has an entire state supporting him in his battle against this terrible disease."
Baltimore City Council President Bernard "Jack" Young had this to say about the governor's cancer diagnosis:
"On behalf of the City of Baltimore, our thoughts and prayers are with Gov. Larry Hogan and his family as he prepares to begin treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Gov. Hogan is a strong leader who will draw strength from his faith, his family, a first-class medical team, and the people of Maryland as he defeats cancer. I am honored to call him a friend and a partner in progress. Cancer will prove no match for the governor that we have come to know and love."
Congressman Elijah Cummings:
"I contacted Governor Hogan this afternoon to wish him a speedy recovery and to let him know that if there is anything I can do to be helpful during this difficult time, he need only ask. My prayers are with the Governor and his family."
Comptroller Peter Franchot:
"Along with every Marylander, I am deeply saddened by today's news about my dear friend, Governor Hogan, and I am praying this afternoon for him; his wonderful wife, Yumi; their daughters, Julie, Jaymi and Kim, and his entire family.
However, I'm comforted by the knowledge that the Governor is one of the toughest fighters I've ever met, as well as a man of deep and abiding faith. With Yumi and his entire family at his side, I know that he will approach this latest challenge with the same sense of determination and resolve that has made him so successful in business, politics and government.
In the meantime, I stand ready to assist Governor Hogan and our exceptional Lieutenant Governor, Boyd Rutherford, in any way possible in the days, weeks and months to come."