Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, the Democratic nominee for county executive, suffered a heart attack Saturday, Sept. 5, during a pickup basketball game in Washington, D.C.

Jawando, 43, was taken by ambulance to The George Washington University Hospital, where doctors inserted a stent, according to a statement from his office. His doctors expect a full recovery.

Chief of staff Dave Kunes, who also chairs Jawando's campaign, said Jawando had no prior cardiac issues. Kunes said Jawando was "resting comfortably" as of Monday, Sept. 7, and was expected to be discharged Wednesday or Thursday to recover at home with his wife, Michele, and their children.

His doctors advised him to adjust office activities in the coming weeks, though his council office will remain open to handle constituent needs.

The heart attack comes less than two months before the Nov. 3 general election, in which Jawando faces Republican nominee Esther Wells for the county's top job. Jawando won the Democratic primary in June with 40% of the vote, defeating fellow council members Andrew Friedson and Evan Glass, according to Maryland Matters. He is favored in the heavily Democratic county, Maryland Matters reported.

Kunes said Jawando plans to continue his campaign. A Thursday, Sept. 10, event at Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co. in Olney will go forward as scheduled, with Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Michele Jawando set to speak. Jawando may join by Zoom. His office said he is still working and focused on the November election.

Jawando also expects to participate in the Montgomery County Council's next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 15, though he may do so remotely, The Banner reported. Council President Natali Fani-González said Jawando is "staying fully engaged in critical matters" and will temporarily attend meetings virtually.

County Executive Marc Elrich, who endorsed Jawando in the primary, said he was relieved Jawando received immediate care and is doing well. Elrich said he hopes Jawando takes the time he needs to rest and get healthy.

Gov. Wes Moore said on X that he has been in contact with Jawando's family since Saturday, Sept. 5, and called Jawando an incredible husband, father and public servant.

Jawando, a Silver Spring native, was first elected to an at-large council seat in 2018 and won reelection in 2022. He dropped a 2024 bid for U.S. Senate, a race ultimately won by Sen. Angela Alsobrooks. He lives in Ashton with his wife and four children.

No response from Wells regarding Jawando's hospitalization appeared in public records or news coverage as of publication. Jawando plans to address the media about his health after leaving the hospital.