Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., announced the passing of his 36-year-old daughter, Madison Warner, after a lengthy struggle with juvenile diabetes and other health complications. “We are heartbroken beyond words by the passing of our beloved daughter, Madison, 36, after a decades-long battle with juvenile diabetes and other health issues,” Warner wrote in a joint statement with his wife Lisa Collis.
“She filled our lives with love and laughter, and her absence leaves an immeasurable void. We are grateful for the loving support of friends and family during this difficult time and ask for privacy as we navigate this profound loss,” the statement concluded, per Fox News.
Madison was the eldest of the couple’s three daughters. She is survived by sisters Gillian and Eliza. Lawmakers from both political parties and both chambers of Congress expressed their heartfelt condolences over the family’s loss.
“Our deepest condolences,” Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., wrote on X. “We’re keeping your family in our prayers.”
“Please join me in praying for Senator Mark Warner and his family,” Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted. “This is heartbreaking news.” Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., wrote on X: “We’re praying for @MarkWarner.”
“I am incredibly sorry for your loss,” Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, wrote on X. “Keeping you and your family in my prayers.”
“Our prayers are with Sen. Warner, his daughter, and their whole family,” Vice President JD Vance wrote on X. “What a terrible loss at such a young age. May God comfort them.”
- Senator Mark Warner’s daughter, Madison, died at age 36 after a long struggle with juvenile (Type 1) diabetes and other health issues
- The family described the loss as “heartbroken beyond words”, highlighting a decades-long health battle
- Warner had often spoken publicly about her condition, especially when advocating for affordable insulin and healthcare access
Virginia Democrat Gov. Abigail Spanberger said the “entire Virginia delegation stands with Mark and Lisa during this period of profound grief.”
“Suzanne and I are praying for Lisa and Mark Warner and their family today after the loss of their daughter, Madison,” former Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin wrote on X. “Our prayers are with them on this most difficult of all days.”
Late last year, Virginia Republican state Sen. Bryce Reeves withdrew from the 2026 race against Sen. Warner’s (D-VA) seat due to a serious family health issue that requires him to stay in the state. He will instead pursue re-election to the state Senate, where he serves the 28th District.
“Today, after prayerful reflection and conversations with my family, I am withdrawing from the U.S. Senate race. A serious family health matter and the realities of timing require my full attention at home. My faith and my family come first,” Reeves posted on X Sunday.
“My work continues in the General Assembly to protect our AAA bond rating, strengthen our economy, and ensure Virginia remains the best place in America for our military and veterans,” he added.
Reeves stepping aside from the race leaves the Republican Party without a significant opponent to Warner, who is campaigning for a fourth term. However, the GOP is also grappling with electoral challenges in Virginia following substantial losses in the midyear elections in November as the state turns more blue.
Outgoing Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), meanwhile, said she believes Democrats will regain control of the House in next November’s midterm elections. In an interview with Jonathan Karl that aired Sunday on ABC News’ This Week, the former House speaker and longtime Democratic leader said she views a Democratic takeover as a question of timing rather than possibility.
“So if the Democrats win the House back,” Karl said. “No, no, when,” Pelosi interjected. “When the Democrats win the House back.”
She went on to back her successor, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, to become Speaker of the House. “Hakeem Jeffries is ready, he’s eloquent, he’s respected by the members, and he is a unifier,” she claimed.
Democrats need to flip three seats to retake control of the chamber, The Hill reported at the time.