On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), 62, announced that he has tested positive for the coronavirus. He reportedly is experiencing “mild symptoms that began this morning.” According to the Associated Press, “Cassidy is at least the 13th member of Congress known to have tested positive for the coronavirus and only the second senator.”
Both U.S. senators to have had the virus, Cassidy included, are physicians, with Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) contracting the virus in March.
“I am strictly following the direction of our medical experts and strongly encourage others to do the same,” Cassidy said.
“Cassidy faces 14 opponents on the November ballot but is favored to win election to a second term in a deep red state where he has the backing of President Donald Trump and a $6 million campaign account. His highest-profile opponent is Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins, a Democrat,” writes the AP.
Later that afternoon, he shared a video thanking people for the concern, and to pitch a bipartisan bill with Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) to increase the amount of money for coronavirus testing and a strategy for that testing.
Cassidy is an outspoken Republican, notably arguing with an annoying anti-Judge Brett Kavanaugh protester in 2018. Kavanaugh was ultimately confirmed and now sits on the U.S. Supreme Court.
To find a list of members of the U.S. Congress to test positive for Coronavirus, a complete list is provided here.