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Dear Jack,
I have some difficult personal news to share today. After some recent testing, I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I have a number of excellent treatment options I’m currently considering, and I’m very fortunate to have access to the world-class healthcare that is available in our area. My doctors tell me that they are confident I will be able to be successfully treated and even cured. I’m thankful that my cancer has been caught so early, and I’m incredibly blessed to have a great team behind me. The prognosis for me is very positive, and I know how lucky I am to be in this position when there are so many other cancer patients who are far less fortunate.
It has become clear to me that my cancer treatment will greatly impact my life going forward, and I must consider the challenges of balancing my treatment, my campaign duties, my business obligations, and my family. For this reason, I have made the incredibly difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate of Virginia.
Serving in the General Assembly has been a great honor and a privilege that I will always cherish. I come from a humble background, and it still amazes me that I have had the opportunity to serve in the same body as great Americans like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and so many others. I’m so grateful to the constituents of the 13th Senate District and the 87th House District who have given me the great honor of representing them over the last eight years. I would also like to thank all of my colleagues in the General Assembly for their support as we tackled our Commonwealth’s biggest challenges together. I especially want to thank all of my staff, past and present, and the volunteers who have worked so hard with me over the years to put me in a position to serve the people of Loudoun and Prince William Counties. Lastly, I want to sincerely thank my family, and especially my wife Margaret, who has tirelessly supported me in every step of this journey.
Though I am not running for reelection, I have every intention of serving the remainder of my term to the fullest. My office is still available to constituents, and we will continue to serve the people of the 13th District to the very end of my term. I am committed to working with my successor to ensure a seamless and successful transition.
Thank you again, and I promise to provide updates as I progress through my treatment. If you have any questions, please contact my office at [email protected] or 571-367-9080.
Respectfully,
Senator John J. Bell
13th District
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