Politics

Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson confirms coronavirus infection

He’s the third Republican senator to report a positive test this week, following Utah Sen. Mike Lee and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis.

In this Sept. 16, 2020 file photo, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., speaks during the committee's business meeting where it will consider new subpoenas in the "Crossfire Hurricane"/Burisma investigation on Capitol Hill in Washington. Johnson says he tested positive for the coronarivus. Johnson’s office announced the diagnosis in a statement Saturday, Oct. 3. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

By Associated Press

October 3, 2020

1 minute to read

MADISON, Wisconsin (AP) — Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson says he’s tested positive for the coronavirus.

Johnson’s office announced the diagnosis in a statement Saturday morning. He’s the third Republican senator to report a positive test this week, following Utah Sen. Mike Lee and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis. Johnson’s announcement is adding to the swirl of tension in Washington since President Donald Trump announced his positive test Friday.

Johnson, a second-term Republican, had reported exposure last month to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, and quarantined for 14 days without developing symptoms. Johnson said he tested negative twice during that time. He returned to Washington on Sept. 29 and said he was exposed soon after that to someone who tested positive. Johnson said he was tested Friday afternoon after learning of the exposure, and tested positive.

Johnson said he feels healthy and doesn’t have symptoms, but will isolate until cleared by his doctor.