(The Center Square) – Arizona state Sen. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale, is recovering from injuries following a major car accident in this weekend.
The lawmaker is in stable condition, but was hospitalized in Rapid City, South Dakota, as of Sunday afternoon.
“Senator Kern drove from Phoenix to South Dakota. He was visiting with family and friends. He and a friend were driving in a snowstorm in South Dakota on Saturday when their vehicle hit ice and lost control. Their vehicle was the only vehicle involved in the accident,” Arizona Senate Republican spokeswoman, Kim Quintero, said in a statement.
“Both Senator Kern and the driver with him were taken by ambulance to area hospitals and are expected to make a full recovery. Senator Kern is at the hospital in Rapid City and is expected to be there for several days as he receives treatment for broken bones and other injuries. He is in stable condition and is communicating with family, but he’s pretty banged up. The family is thanking everyone for their thoughts and prayers and are grateful for the concern that has been expressed by so many for Senator Kern. Once he is discharged from the hospital, he will make his way back home to Arizona. It is unknown exactly when that will be,” Quintero added.
The incident resulted in an outpouring of well wishes for the lawmaker, who’s often considered one of the most ardently conservative members of the legislature.
“Patriot [Kern] was in a bad car accident please keep him and those involved in your prayers,” Turning Point Action Chief Operating Officer Tyler Bowyer tweeted.
The Arizona Senate Democrats said in a social media post that they were “praying for a complete and speedy recovery.”
The Republican is leaving office in January and Rep. Kevin Payne will be his successor, as Payne ran unopposed for the seat in November. Kern ran for Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District earlier this year in the Republican primary, and lost in the crowded field. He is the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
