U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell will return to Michigan to be with her family following the death of her 12-day-old great-granddaughter. The Michigan Democrat shared the news on social media Wednesday afternoon, describing the loss as an "incredibly painful and deeply personal time."
"Our family’s 12-day-old daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter has returned home to God this afternoon," Dingell wrote. "We have been in God’s hands throughout all of this."
The Congresswoman stated that while she had planned to be present for votes on Wednesday and Thursday, her family requires her presence. "In moments like this, there is no greater responsibility than being by the side of those we love, offering comfort, support, and remembrance," she added.
Dingell's absence means she will miss at least seven votes scheduled for Wednesday afternoon on Capitol Hill. Her colleagues from both parties offered condolences following her announcement.
"Sending our deepest condolences to Debbie. Keeping her granddaughter and the entire Dingell family in our prayers," Republican Congressman Mike Lawler of New York posted on X. The Michigan Democratic Party also shared sympathies on the platform.
Dingell, 72, comes from a long-standing political dynasty in Michigan. She first entered Congress in 2015, filling the seat previously held by her late husband, John Dingell Jr., who served in the House from 1955 to 2015. His father, John Dingell Sr., held the same seat from 1933, marking nearly a century of Dingell family representation for their district.
Dingell does not have children of her own, but her late husband had four children. The specific relative of the infant who passed away has not been clarified.