Dem Senator’s Daughter Dies From Juvenile Diabetes at 36

A wave of bipartisan condolences is being shared across Washington after Sen. Mark Warner announced the death of his 36-year-old daughter, Madison Warner, following a long battle with juvenile diabetes and related health complications.

In a joint statement with his wife, Lisa Collis, Warner said the family was “heartbroken beyond words” by the loss.

“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,” the statement read, according to reporting from Fox News. “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.”

Madison Warner was the eldest of the senator’s three daughters and is survived by her sisters Gillian and Eliza.

Tributes quickly poured in from across the political spectrum, reflecting the personal nature of the loss and temporarily setting aside partisan divides in Washington.

Rep. Nancy Mace wrote on X, “Our deepest condolences. We’re keeping your family in our prayers.”

Sen. Mike Lee also expressed sympathy, posting, “Please join me in praying for Senator Mark Warner and his family. This is heartbreaking news.”

Sen. Rand Paul added, “We’re praying for @MarkWarner.”

Rep. August Pfluger wrote, “I am incredibly sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.”

Vice President JD Vance also extended condolences, saying, “Our prayers are with Sen. Warner, his daughter, and their whole family. What a terrible loss at such a young age. May God comfort them.”

Virginia leaders echoed the sentiments, with Gov. Abigail Spanberger stating that the “entire Virginia delegation stands with Mark and Lisa during this period of profound grief.” Former Gov. Glenn Youngkin also offered prayers for the family.

The tragedy comes as Virginia’s political landscape continues to shift ahead of future Senate races. Republican state Sen. Bryce Reeves recently announced he would withdraw from the 2026 U.S. Senate race against Warner, citing a serious family health matter and prioritizing his responsibilities at home.

“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 said.

His exit leaves Republicans without a major challenger to Warner, who is now expected to pursue a fourth Senate term, even as the GOP continues to face electoral challenges in Virginia following recent statewide losses.

Meanwhile, national Democratic figures are already looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed confidence that Democrats will reclaim control of the House.

“So if the Democrats win the House back,” interviewer Jonathan Karl said.
“No, no, when,” Pelosi replied. “When the Democrats win the House back.”

Pelosi also praised House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, calling him “ready” and “a unifier,” as Democrats need to flip only a handful of seats to regain the majority.

For now, however, Washington’s usual political battles have given way—at least briefly—to a moment of shared grief, as colleagues across party lines mourn the loss of a senator’s daughter and extend condolences to a family facing an unimaginable loss.