Colorado Democratic state Sen. Lois Court announced Monday she is resigning effective Jan. 16 due to health issues.
A statement released by majority Senate Democrats said Court has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, GBS symptoms include muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. In the most serious cases, muscle weakness can affect breathing.
Most people recover fully, but some have permanent nerve damage, according to the CDC.
Court was hospitalized Dec. 31 after experiencing muscle weakness and partial paralysis, Monday's statement said.
Court represents parts of Denver and Arapahoe counties. She was elected to the state House in 2008 and to the Senate in 2016. She has advocated for gun control and changes in state fiscal policy and was a leading proponent of the Colorado End of Life Options Act.
"No one has a clearer compass on the issues she cares about," Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement wishing Court a speedy recovery.
A Democratic party district committee will choose a replacement for Court.
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