Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson says he has Parkinson's, won't let that stop him from running for re-election

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia)
(Image credit: Jason Getz/Getty Images)

On Wednesday, Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson (R) announced he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, but still intends to run for re-election in 2016.

"I am busier and have more responsibility today than ever before in my political career, and I couldn't be happier about that," he said. "I remain devoted to pubic service, to my state and to my constituents." The 70-year-old was first elected to the Senate in 2004, and was diagnosed with the disease in 2013. Isakson said he is in the early stages of Parkinson's, with his main symptoms being stiffness in his left arm and a "slow, shuffling gait." He added that he wasn't sure if he wanted to disclose his diagnosis, but decided "I should handle my personal health challenge with the same transparency that I have championed throughout my career."

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Catherine Garcia, The Week US

Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.