Senator John Fetterman admitted to hospital after feeling dizzy

Pennsylvania Democrat's health was prominent issue during 2022 campaign after he suffered a stroke

US Senator John Fetterman remained in hospital overnight and doctors were running more tests. Reuters

Senator John Fetterman was admitted to hospital on Wednesday after feeling lightheaded during a Democratic retreat, his office said.

Initial tests at the George Washington University Hospital in Washington did not show evidence of a new stroke, the statement released on Wednesday night said.

He remained in hospital overnight for observation and doctors were running more tests.

“He is in good spirits and talking with his staff and family. We will provide more information when we have it,” communications director Joe Calvello said.

Mr Fetterman, a freshman senator, suffered a stroke in May 2022 during his campaign against Republican challenger Mehmet Oz.

His stroke was “caused by a clot from my heart being in an A-fib rhythm for too long”, Mr Fetterman said at the time.

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  A sign outside the Pennsylvania Senate debate between Democratic candidate John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday. EPA

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  A truck promoting Mr Fetterman drives by the site of his debate with Dr Oz in Harrisburg. EPA

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  Oz and Fetterman signs in Pennsylvania

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  All in readiness for the Fetterman-Oz debate. EPA

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  Pennsylvania's Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman waves to supporters after speaking at Dickinson Square Park in Philadelphia on Sunday. AFP

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  Dr Oz visits the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 91 in West Homestead, Pennslyvania, last week. AP

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  A voting machine at city hall in Philadelphia, ready for the midterm elections. AFP

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  Mr Fetterman speaks to supporters on Sunday. AFP

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  Dr Oz greets supporters after a community discussion on safer streets, on October 13 in Philadelphia. AFP

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  Candidates' names on the screen of a voting machine at city hall in Philadelphia on Monday. AFP

The Democrat returned to the campaign trail a couple months later.

Mr Oz made Mr Fetterman's health a prominent issue throughout the race.

“I had a stroke. He’s never let me forget that,” Mr Fetterman quipped during their October 25 debate.

The effects of the stroke still lingered during Mr Fetterman's debate against his challenger in October, where the Democrat at time struggled to put sentences together.

Mr Fetterman was sworn into office in January.

Dr Mehmet Oz protest -- in pictures

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  Protesters hold up signs against US Senate candidate Mehmet Oz, who is running for a seat in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. All photos: Katarina Holtzapple

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  Archpriest Fr Nerses Manoogian of St Gregory's Armenian Apostolic Church opens the protest with a prayer.

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  Protesters hold up signs against Dr Oz.

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  Protesters hold up placards denouncing genocide denial.

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  Protesters demonstrate against Dr Oz.

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  A protester uses two campaign signs to write out 'NO OZ'.

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  A protester demonstrates against genocide denial.

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  Demonstrators hold up placards to protest against Dr Oz's campaign.

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  A woman holds up an Armenian flag at a protest in Pennsylvania against Dr Oz.

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  Protesters line the street to demonstrate against Dr Oz.

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  Protesters line the street.

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  The protest was staged in front of the building listed as Oz campaign headquarters, but it was empty. The address has changed to a PO box.