Congressman Joaquin Castro at a press conference in 2022. Castro had surgery this week to remove tumors.
Kin Man Hui/Staff photographerThe reaction to U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro’s cancer diagnosis was swift and somber, with well wishes pouring from California, New York and the Texas governor's mansion.
Castro, 48, a six-term Democratic lawmaker who represents San Antonio’s 20th Congressional District on the West Side, said Monday that he had tumors removed from his gastrointestinal tract at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. The type of cancer he has is serious but treatable, his staff has said.
Family, friends and political foes took to social media to pray for Castro, to wish him well and a speedy recovery.
His twin brother, Julián Castro, expressed his gratitude for the doctors, nurses and medical staff at MD Anderson on Twitter.
In case you missed it: Rep. Joaquin Castro diagnosed with cancer, undergoes surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center
“He’s recovering well and looks forward to getting home soon,” Castro said of his brother. “I’m looking forward to him beating me on the tennis courts again soon!”
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg wrote on Twitter: "Glad to hear you're on the mend, @JoaquinCastrotx. Praying for a restful recovery for you and the family.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz wrote of his mother, Eleanor Darragh, and her cancer battle.
"Heidi and I are praying for your healing, @JoaquinCastrotx," Cruz wrote. "Cancer SUCKS. My mom is a 2-time cancer survivor -- we're with you in your fight to beat this horrible disease."
Here are some of the other tributes from Castro's colleagues in Washington, D.C, politicians in San Antonio and Texas.
