With midterm elections approaching, political candidates open up about breast cancer diagnoses
Russia and President Donald Trump’s Twitter feed might grab more headlines, but healthcare is still expected to be one of the most important issues of the midterm elections in November. And some candidates are using their own healthcare experiences—including their battles against cancer—as a way to connect with voters and continue the country’s ongoing healthcare debate.
Sens. Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota are two examples of this trend, as described in a recent report by Roll Call’s Simone Pathé.
“Two years ago, I beat breast cancer,” McCaskill said in a recent political ad. “Like thousands of other women in Missouri, I don’t talk about it much.”
Sen. Heitkmap, meanwhile, was first diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2000 when she was running for governor. Now, looking to be re-elected, she has made her own experience part of her campaign.
To read the full story from Roll Call about this trend, click the link below.