Maya Rockeymoore Cummings has preventative surgery after mother, sister diagnosed with breast cancer

Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, the widow of the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, recently went public with a recent health issue after successfully undergoing a double mastectomy elective surgery.

Rockeymoore Cummings opted for a preventative breast cancer surgery after her mother passed away from the invasive disease. Her sister was also recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

The surgery was performed at the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital.

After resting up, Rockeymoore Cummings, the chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party, made it clear that she is still planning to forge ahead in a run for her late husband’s House seat, CBS reports.

READ MORE: Rep. Elijah Cummings: Politicians and celebrities react to sudden death of Baltimore congressman

Earlier this month, she announced her plans to enter the Congressional race.

“I am, of course, devastated at the loss of my spouse, but his spirit is with me. I’m going to run this race and I’m going to run it hard, as if he’s still right here by my side,” Rockeymoore Cummings, 48, told The Baltimore Sun.

Cummings was not only her husband, but a well-respected mover and shaker on Capitol Hill who chaired the House Oversight Committee. He was also a powerful Baltimore Democratic Congressman in Maryland’s 7th Congressional District who was beloved by his city.

READ MORE: Maya Rockeymoore Cummings set to run for Congress

Cummings died last month from complications from longstanding health challenges, according to a statement provided by his office.

Rockeymoore Cummings will face contenders such as former congressman and NAACP chief Kweisi Mfume, who plans to run again for a seat he once held before Cummings died in the 7^th Congressional district in Maryland. She will also face Talmadge Branch, a Baltimore City Delegate as well as GOP strategist Kim Klacik, Baltimore City State Senator Jill Carter and Howard County Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, the outlet reports.

The filing deadline to run is November 20. A special election will be held Feb. 4 followed by the general election April 28. Cummings’ term runs until January 2021.