Former Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan of North Carolina died Monday morning, her family has announced. She was 66.
Hagan beat out Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole in 2008 and served a single term before current Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) narrowly beat her in 2014. She died of complications from a longstanding illness, her family said in a statement.
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"We are heartbroken to share that Kay left us unexpectedly this morning," Hagan's family said in a Monday statement. In 2016, she had been diagnosed with Powassan virus, which is a type of encephalitis, per the Charlotte Observer. Prior to announcing her diagnosis, Hagan had considered running for incumbent Sen. Richard Burr's (R-N.C.) seat in 2016, but ultimately declined.
A number of senators, former senators, and even political rivals sent their condolences after the Monday announcement. Kathryn Krawczyk
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