Sen. Angus King (I-ME) announced he tested positive for COVID-19, possibly throwing a temporary wrench in Senate Democrats’ plans as the party navigates a tenuous majority in the upper chamber.
King, 78, said a routine coronavirus test came back positive on his way home to Maine but that he’s feeling “alright.” He said he plans to quarantine under the direction of the Senate doctor and will not travel home this weekend.
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“An hour ago, I tested positive for COVID on a routine test on my way to the airport home to Maine,” he said. “I’ve been vaccinated and boosted, so I feel alright — just sorry to not make it home this weekend. I’ll isolate under the direction of the Office of the Attending Physician.”
An hour ago, I tested positive for COVID on a routine test on my way to the airport home to Maine. I’ve been vaccinated and boosted, so I feel alright – just sorry to not make it home this weekend. I’ll isolate under the direction of the Office of the Attending Physician.
— Senator Angus King (@SenAngusKing) January 26, 2023
With only a 51-seat majority, Democrats can only afford to have one member absent at any time to keep their majority. Though King is an independent, he caucuses with the Democrats.
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The Senate is in session next week, and more Democratic members having to quarantine if they test positive for the coronavirus over the weekend could delay business. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) will not bring up floor votes if they are unlikely to pass.
Nearly three years since the beginning of the pandemic, House Republicans voted to repeal all COVID-19 measures, including a full reopening of the Capitol complex to the public and the end of proxy voting, as they took back control of the lower chamber.
