Rep. Kilmer Tests Positive For COVID-19

GIG HARBOR, WA — A Washington congressman is among the latest batch of lawmakers to contract COVID-19. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) has tested positive for the coronavirus, his office confirmed Thursday.

“Late this afternoon I tested positive for COVID-19 after testing negative as recently as yesterday," Kilmer said in a written statement. "I am currently asymptomatic - and I am grateful to be fully vaccinated and boosted. I will follow CDC guidance and isolate for the next several days."

Kilmer will reportedly keep his office running and will continue to work virtually. He is one of several D.C. politicians who have recently tested positive for COVID, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Reps. Katherine Clark (D-MA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), CNN reported. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo also recently announced positive COVID-19 tests.

Kilmer is far from the first lawmaker from Washington to catch the bug: in early 2021 Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) caught COVID-19 shortly after sheltering in place with other members of Congress during the insurrection in the Capitol.