Senate President Mike Miller speaks with Delegate Jerry Clark, left, after a legislative breakfast in Chesapeake Beach Monday, Jan. 7.
Annapolis, MD- Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. [D-District 27 announced Thursday, Jan. 10 that he is being treated for prostate cancer. Several news sources—including the Daily Record, Baltimore Sun and Washington Post—reported Miller’s diagnosis Wednesday, Jan. 9, the first day of the 2019 legislative session.
Miller, who has attended several events this week—including a legislative breakfast Monday sponsored by the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce—has been reelected Senate president, a position he has held for 32 years. He has been a member of the Senate for 44 years.
“I’m going to stay here until the band stops playing,” Miller told reporters Wednesday. Miller confirmed Thursday that he will be undergoing chemotherapy to treat the cancer, which was first diagnosed last summer.
At Wednesday’s opening of the 90-day session, Miller and Southern Maryland’s two new senators—Arthur Ellis [D-District 28] and Jack Bailey [R-District 29] were sworn into office.
Governor Larry Hogan today released the following statement regarding Maryland Senate President Mike Miller’s announcement he is seeking treatment for prostate cancer: “My heart goes out to President Miller on what I know must be one of the toughest days he’s faced. I know firsthand how hard it is to receive a diagnosis like this. But I also know firsthand that Mike Miller has earned his place in Maryland political history because he’s a fighter who always gives it everything he’s got, no matter how tough things get. Mike’s tenacity, bravery, and perseverance will ensure that he wins this battle, and he has my full support.
“Yumi and I send our heartfelt prayers to Mike, his wife, Patti, and his family during this difficult time.”
House Minority Leader Nic Kipke and Minority Whip Kathy Szeliga released the following joint statement regarding Senate President Miller’s cancer diagnosis:
“We wish the President a speedy recovery and will keep him and his family in our continued prayers. As we have seen so many times, cancer does not discriminate. We are confident that President Miller will face this new challenge with the same vigorous fighting spirit he has shown throughout his long legislative career.”
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today:
“Throughout my career, Senate President Miller has been a close friend and confidant. His resolve, perseverance, and passion for improving the lives of Marylanders has always inspired me, and I know he will bring these traits to this next obstacle.
“Anyone who knows Mike knows that he is a fighter. He has fought tirelessly throughout his career for all Marylanders, and I know he will continue to do so. My thoughts and prayers are with Mike, his wife Patti, and the entire Miller family, and I wish him well in his recovery.”
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com