Bernie Sanders has surprised the United States by going from an obscure self-proclaimed socialist to a major presidential front runner in only a few months. While Bernie Sanders has been polling stronger than ever in recent weeks, things may slow down a bit when the Vermont senator takes some time off from campaigning to address a medical issue.

According to the New York Times, Bernie Sanders stepped away from the campaign trail this Monday to undergo a relatively minor surgery in order to repair a hernia. He also took a short break from his duties as a Senator, but is planning to return as soon as Tuesday if the procedure goes well. However, Sanders won’t return to campaigning until the end of the week.

The office of Bernie Sanders revealed that the outpatient procedure took place at George Washington University Hospital. They did not reveal any details about the presidential candidate’s current condition, only that he is in recovery with his wife, Jane, beside him. The procedure was also described as “elective,” meaning Bernie Sanders chose to have the hernia repaired and it was not an emergency.

Bernie Sanders and his wife Jane. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

A spokesperson for Bernie Sanders, Michael Briggs, claims the procedure is “something that’s been scheduled for a while,” so supporters of the candidate should not be alarmed by his hospital visit, according to ABC News.

“Sanders has maintained a grueling campaign schedule with coast-to-coast travel since announcing his presidential bid last May. He faithfully travels back to Washington, D.C., for his Senate duties as well. He has been asked several times on the trail about his age and the toll of a presidential race and often answers that he has so far been blessed with good health.”

The night before the surgery, Bernie Sanders attended the Democratic Party’s annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in New Hampshire, along with fellow presidential-hopeful Hillary Clinton and former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley. Sanders is planning to travel back to New Hampshire at the end of the week for more events.

Bernie Sanders speaks at the Jefferson Jackson Dinner. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)

Supporters of Bernie Sanders took to Twitter to show the Senator support and send some get-well-soon wishes.

Heard my fav Bernie Sanders was having a surgery, Hope all is well! @BernieSanders @SenSanders — D⃟I⃟O⃟N⃟Y⃟S⃟U⃟S⃟ (@AttilaVernonsRS) December 1, 2015

Prayers for Bernie Sanders on his out patient surgery today for a full recovery, we love you Bernie @BernieSanders — Richard D.Hill (@rdhillphx) December 1, 2015

Bernie Sanders had elective hernia surgery today. Doctors say he got the hernia from trying to shoulder the burdens of the working class. — Matt Dennie (@mdennie) November 30, 2015

Briggs also claimed that the hernia repair surgery should not affect Bernie Sanders’ overall campaign momentum, which has stayed strong according to recent polls. The candidate has made a point to prove that he has every intention of winning the presidential race, against all odds.

“Today, with your help we can pull off one of the great political upsets in the history of our country,” Bernie Sanders said.

As the Washington Post reported, Sanders made an effort to address his foreign policy during the Sunday night event, in response to pressure from other candidates. While most of Bernie Sanders’ platform is built on fixing income inequality and wealth distribution, candidates like Clinton and Trump have spoken a lot more about their stance on foreign affairs.

“As president, I will defend this country, but I will do it responsibly,” Sanders said. “We do not need a “tough foreign policy, we need a smart foreign policy.”

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[Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images]