Dave Arnold, the GOP candidate for the 48th Senatorial District Special Election and current Lebanon County District Attorney, has paused his campaign following the recent discovery and subsequent surgical removal of a malignant brain tumor.
The news was released officially by the campaign this morning.
According to the release, Arnold was diagnosed Tuesday, Oct. 28, and underwent successful surgery on Thursday, Oct. 30, at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The Hershey Medical Center has been recognized as a “high performing” hospital in the oncology field by U. S. News & World Report and is ranked by the outlet as the best such facility in Central Pennsylvania.
Arnold will take a “brief period of time” off from his job as DA as well as a pause from the campaign trail. According to the release, doctors believe Arnold’s prognosis for a full recovery is excellent.
“I want everyone to know that I am up and recovering,” said Arnold in the release. “I want to thank my family, especially my wife Alicia and my daughter Reese, for providing me with love and support; the doctors who provided such excellent care and treatment; and my family and friends for their thoughts and prayers.”
“While this speed bump was laid in front of me, I am as committed as ever to serving the people of Lebanon County as District Attorney and, if elected, everyone in the 48th State Senatorial District as our next State Senator.”
Arnold has been Lebanon County DA since January 2006. In October, he won the GOP nomination for the special election to replace former state senator Mike Folmer.
Arnold will face Democratic nominee Michael Schroeder in the Jan. 14 election.
“My heart goes out to Dave Arnold and his family, and I pray for his swift and complete recovery,” said Schroeder.
Article updated to include response from Schroeder.