Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, has released a video on social media stating she and her congressional staff are recovering well following a hit-skip car accident in Toledo earlier this month. Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in U.S. House history, expressed gratitude for the numerous well-wishes she has received.
"As I move to physical rehabilitation, sharing a message with the thousands who shared good wishes from our community, across our region, our country, and around the world," Kaptur, 80, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, alongside the video. "It's made a huge difference in my very rapid recovery. Each of you continue to uplift my spirit as we move forward. Thank you!"
The accident occurred near Detroit and Central avenues in Toledo when the vehicle Kaptur and her staffer, Keegan Zimmerman, were traveling in was struck. Police described the incident as a "hit-skip," a term used in Ohio law for a driver's failure to stop after a crash. Kaptur stated in the video that Zimmerman is also in good shape.
Kaptur, who has served in the House of Representatives since 1983, is currently on August recess, which is providing her additional time to recover before returning to Washington, D.C. "We will not return to Washington until next month, so I'm blessed to have time to recover fully," she said in the video. "And I want to thank the first responders, the fire and rescue squads, the police, and all of medical personnel that served us at such a fateful moment."
She was hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries following the collision. In the video, Kaptur described the experience as "not a pleasant one" and acknowledged resulting wounds, but emphasized her gratitude for the medical staff at Mercy St. Vincent's.
Kaptur is seeking her 23rd term in the House and faces a rematch against former Ohio State Rep. Derek Merrin in a key battleground race this November. In the 2024 election, Kaptur narrowly won her race by just over 0.5%.
The congresswoman concluded the video by sharing a handmade get-well card from a child named Avery, featuring a drawing of his dog, Charlie. Kaptur called the card a source of upliftment, reading the message "Get well soon" and noting the hearts drawn on it.