President Pro Tempore Jake Corman assumes lieutenant governor duties while Fetterman has procedure

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania President Pro Tempore of the Senate Jake Corman will temporarily assume lieutenant governor duties while John Fetterman undergoes a procedure to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator, according to the Governor’s Office.

2022 PENNSYLVANIA PRIMARY COVERAGE >> LIVE UPDATES: McCormick and Oz race too close to call; Lee declares victory over Irwin

The Fetterman campaign released the following statement around 3 p.m. Monday:

“John Fetterman is about to undergo a standard procedure to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator. It should be a short procedure that will help protect his heart and address the underlying cause of his stroke, atrial fibrillation (A-fib), by regulating his heart rate and rhythm.”

Just before 6:45 p.m. Monday, the Fetterman campaign sent the following statement:

“John Fetterman just completed a successful procedure to implant a pacemaker with a defibrillator. The procedure began at 3:15pm, John was released at 5:56pm, and he has been given the all-clear that it was successful. He is resting at the hospital and recovering well. John continues to improve every day, and he is still on track for a full recovery.”

“We continue to wish the lieutenant governor the very best as he continues to focus on his health and recovery. However, as the lieutenant governor undergoes a standard procedure, there is a process in place to ensure that our government remains fully operational,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “This is a short-term transfer of power, and we hope and expect the lieutenant governor to resume his duties very soon.”

According to the Wolf Administration, a declaration was sent out to officials that said Fetterman would be unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.

The Governor’s Office also said Fetterman may return to his powers and duties four days after a written declaration is sent by his office to the General Assembly saying that no disability exists. He submitted that declaration the day after the procedure and will resume lieutenant governor duties on May 23.

Westmoreland County voters slowly turn out for Pennsylvania primary

©2022 Cox Media Group