Brigid Callahan Harrison is a Democrat candidate in the 2nd Legislative District Congressional election.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT – Democrat Congressional candidate Brigid Callahan Harrison has announced that her husband, Paul Meilak is currently in a New York City hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Harrison made the announcement on her Twitter page Sunday evening.
Harrison said Meilak, a retired New York City detective, maintains an apartment in New York City where he works in security and operations at a NYC hotel.
“We live separately during the week, and during normal times, Paul spends weekends with me in Longport,” she said. “I have not seen Paul since mid-March and like so many other families, it is tough to receive updates in Longport while he is attended to in a NYC hospital.”
Harrison said she is asymptomatic and has not been tested for the virus in Atlantic County.
“I am feeling fine and like so many others, I am following the recommendations of the CDC and Gov. Murphy and staying in my home,” she said.
She asked for prayers and positive thoughts for his quick recovery, while asking constituents to shelter in place.
Meilak is Harrison’s second husband. She was married to economics Professor Ken Harrison, who died 10 years ago.
“Like many who are also sitting in their homes awaiting information regarding a loved one, the experience has brought a series of emotions and thoughts these last few days,” she wrote in her letter. “I am so incredibly grateful to the doctors, nurses and support staff who are caring for my husband when I cannot even visit him. They are truly American heroes and I thank them for putting their lives at risk to care for Paul and for others.”
She urged everyone to stay home and assured voters her campaign’s top priorities are to provide South Jersey a voice by supporting doctors and nurses assuring they have the personal protective equipment needed to stay safe, fighting for increased testing in 2nd Legislative District counties and protecting South Jersey’s economic future.
“I will be sure to keep you updated on Paul’s recovery – and we must remember, there are thousands of people across our district that need testing, medical assistance and economic support – and we must continue to fight for them,” she said.
Harrison is challenging incumbent Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who switched to the Republican party following his vote against impeaching President Donald Trump.
Her Democratic challenger, Amy Kennedy of Brigantine, sent well-wishes on her Twitter feed.
“We are sending our thoughts and prayers to Brigid’s family and we wish Paul a speedy,” she posted.
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