Democratic State Sen. Lois Court is stepping down this month due to a rare medical issue, her caucus announced Monday in a press release.

Court, of Denver’s 7th Avenue Parkway neighborhood, “was hospitalized after experiencing muscle weakness and partial paralysis,” the release read.

“Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome – a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nerves of the body.”

The release added: “Although it is a serious diagnosis, 99% of people who are diagnosed recover, with 98% returning to full functionality within several weeks or months.”

Court is currently chair of the Senate Finance Committee and vice chair of the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee. She serves as the Senate’s president pro tempore.

She will step down Jan. 16, and her job will be filled by a Senate District 31 vacancy committee, the caucus said. Court’s seat is up for election this year, and she previously said she would not seek another term.

State Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, declared in October that he’d run for the seat, but he says now that he’ll seek appointment to the seat via the vacancy committee. Another announced candidate for Court’s seat, Maria Orms, also plans to seek appointment via the committee. If Hansen is tabbed to replace Court in the Senate, another committee would have to meet to fill his House seat.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Colorado and I am deeply saddened that this chapter of my life is at a close,” reads a statement by Court. “But I am excited by the work my colleagues are undertaking and will continue to cheer them on and be an active citizen of Senate District 31. I would also like to thank all of my wonderful supporters and constituents – I could have never achieved what I did without your unfailing passion and guidance.”

The Senate president, Pueblo Democrat Leroy Garcia, said: “Senator Court is a remarkable woman whose leadership has stood the test of time. Her fierce dedication to the people of Colorado has made her an inspiring legislator and colleague.”