North Dakota Republican Senator Kevin Cramer suffered a serious injury after slipping and falling on ice at his home state. The senator shared the details on social media, explaining that the fall resulted in a seizure and a brain bleed. Cramer was walking outside near his dock when he stepped on ice, fell hard, and hit the back of his head. He lost consciousness and later woke up at a local emergency room, accompanied by his wife, Kris. After undergoing tests including CT scans and consultations with a neurologist, Cramer was diagnosed with a severe concussion, a seizure, and a slight brain bleed. Due to a head wound that would not stop bleeding, doctors treated him with staples and admitted him for observation.
Despite the severity of the injury, Cramer reported improvement, though he continues to experience “pretty bad headaches.” He remains at home resting under medical advice, uncertain about when he will return to Washington, D.C. His wife has been actively helping him recover, sending family tips to promote brain health. Cramer expressed gratitude for his wife and the medical professionals at Sanford Health who have been caring for him. He also emphasized his readiness to return to Senate duties if urgent events require it, but he is following medical guidance to take it day by day.
Cramer has been a senator from North Dakota since 2018 and was re-elected in 2024. Before serving in the Senate, he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. His recent accident marks him as the second Republican senator in recent weeks to suffer a fall causing injury, following Senator Mitch McConnell’s December incident on Capitol Hill. Despite Cramer’s temporary absence, Republicans maintain a Senate majority with 52 members.
Recent legislative activity in the Senate includes the passage of a multitrillion-dollar budget plan by Senate Republicans, aimed at supporting former President Donald Trump’s policy goals. Additionally, most of Trump’s cabinet nominees have been confirmed, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary, Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, and Kash Patel as Director of the FBI. Another nominee, Linda McMahon, who is being considered for Education Secretary, recently received committee approval and may face a full Senate vote soon.
Cramer’s personal life has also been marked by tragedy. Late last year, his son Ian was sentenced to 28 years in prison for killing a sheriff’s deputy during a high-speed chase. During the trial, Ian disclosed substance abuse issues, including methamphetamine and bath salts use on the day of the crash. He was also described as suffering from serious mental health disorders that cause paranoia and hallucinations. This family hardship has been a significant emotional burden for the senator.
The combination of personal and health challenges adds to a difficult period for Senator Cramer. As he focuses on recovery, his colleagues and the Senate await his return while managing legislative priorities. The incident highlights the vulnerability even high-profile public officials face to everyday accidents and stresses the importance of health and safety, particularly in harsh winter conditions like those in North Dakota.
