(Radio Iowa) – A member of the Iowa Senate has announced she is dealing with a medical issue and is awaiting surgery. State Senator Claire Celsi, a Democrat from Des Moines, issued a brief written statement today (Friday), announcing she is unable to be at the Capitol in person at the moment due to circumstances beyond her control. Celsi did not reveal her diagnosis, but said she looks forward to returning to the senate as quickly as possible.

For the past few weeks, Celsi has been not been present and listed as excused from voting on bills that have passed the state senate this month.