ATLANTA (AP) - U.S. Rep. Tom Graves' son was critically injured while competing in a race with Georgia Tech's cycling team on Sunday morning.
The Republican congressman said on Twitter on Monday that his son John was injured during a cycling event in Calhoun, Georgia and airlifted to a trauma center, where he remains in intensive care.
"He's a strong boy and is showing signs of responsiveness," Graves said.
Graves addressed the status of his son's improvement in a tweet Tuesday stating that he is gaining strength and beginning to ask questions.
John's strength is returning and he's showing improved signs of responsiveness and beginning to ask questions. We are thankful for these positive developments as John continues with his recovery. Thank you for all of the well wishes and prayers. They are so appreciated.
— Tom Graves (@RepTomGraves) March 10, 2020
The six-term Graves, who represents Georgia's conservative northwest corner, announced in December that he's not seeking reelection this year. Graves said in a statement then that with his wife "near retirement and my kids now suddenly adults, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2020, and instead, join my family in their new and unique journeys."
Graves is a senior member of the powerful Appropriations Committee.
Before he ran for Congress in 2010, Graves served seven years in the Georgia legislature. He was first elected to office at age 32.