Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise diagnosed with blood cancer and is in treatment: ‘I intend to return to Washington’ after months-long battle, he says

Majority Leader Steve Scalise has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood.

The Louisiana Republican and Republican No. 2 in the House of Representatives said in a statement, “After a few days of not feeling like myself this past week, I had some blood work done. The results revealed some irregularities, and after undergoing additional tests, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a highly treatable blood cancer.

“I have now started treatment, which will continue for the next few months. I expect to get through this period and plan to return to Washington where I will continue my work as majority leader and serve the people of Louisiana’s First Congressional District,” he continued.

The diagnosis comes after the congressman was shot by a crazed gunman while practicing for the 2017 congressional baseball game.

He has undergone several surgeries to repair the damage from the gun wound, but has essentially made a full recovery.

Scalise, 57, is in his ninth term in Congress, having been elected in 2008. Before the majority leader, he served as the minority whip in the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023.

The Majority Leader received an outpouring of support from Republicans in the House and Senate after announcing his diagnosis.

“There is no stronger fighter than (Scalise),” House GOP conference chair Elise Stefanik said of X. “Steve is as tough and friendly as can be, and he has beaten so many unbeatable odds. The Louisiana Legend is loved by his peers and America, and we know he will fight the next battle with the same determination.”