RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina’s Insurance Commissioner, Mike Causey, has been discharged from the hospital after a stay of ten days, following heart surgery, a representative confirmed. The surgery, which was not publicly disclosed until some time after it took place, was said to be elective in nature.
According to a statement from Department spokesperson Jason Tyson, Causey, a Republican who recently secured a third four-year term in November, underwent the procedure at Duke Hospital in Durham to address a congenital heart defect. Tyson indicated that Causey is “currently recovering and doing well,” and has maintained communication with the Department of Insurance regularly during his recuperation. Even while hospitalized, Causey was still involved with the department, overseeing work and staying informed on relevant matters.
In a phone conversation with a local newspaper, Causey, 74, mentioned that only a small number of individuals within his department were aware of the surgery scheduled for February 10. He chose not to disclose the operation beforehand to avoid causing unnecessary alarm or distractions, emphasizing that there were numerous pressing issues requiring attention during that time. The details of his surgery came to light during a meeting of the Greensboro City Council, which Causey could not attend, where his absence was noted due to his health condition.
The congenital defect was discovered during a body scan he underwent in late 2023 as part of a health assessment. Subsequent examinations revealed that he had developed an aneurysm. Initially, Causey opted to postpone the surgery after discussions with a surgeon, and he continued to monitor the aneurysm, which maintained a stable condition, allowing him to focus on his reelection campaign set for 2024.
As the insurance commissioner, Causey is among ten officials elected statewide of the Council of State. Before his successful election in 2016, he made several unsuccessful attempts to secure the position.
Overall, Causey’s situation highlights the balance he maintains between personal health and public responsibilities as he continues to navigate his role in state government.
