'I am now cancer-free': Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces that she underwent surgery for thyroid cancer

Republican Arkansas gubernatorial candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that she had her thryroid and some lymph nodes extracted on Friday after learning earlier this month that she had thyroid cancer.

"During a check-up earlier this month, my doctor ordered a biopsy on an area of concern in my neck and the test revealed that I had thyroid cancer," Sanders said in a statement on Friday. "Today, I underwent a successful surgery to remove my thyroid and surrounding lymph nodes and by the grace of God I am now cancer-free. I want to thank the Arkansas doctors and nurses for their world-class care, as well as my family and friends for their love, prayers, and support. I look forward to returning to the campaign trail soon. This experience has been a reminder that whatever battle you may be facing, don't lose heart. As governor, I will never quit fighting for the people of our great state."

Sanders, who is the daughter of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, served as White House press secretary during a portion of former President Donald Trump's tenure in office. Trump has endorsed her for governor.

"Sarah is currently recovering from surgery in which we removed her thyroid gland and some of the surrounding lymph nodes in her neck," Dr. John Sims said in a statement. "The surgery went extremely well, and I expect her to be back on her feet even within the next 24 hours. This is a Stage I papillary thyroid carcinoma which is the most common type of thyroid cancer and has an excellent prognosis. While she will need adjuvant treatment with radioactive iodine, as well as continued long term follow up, I think it's fair to say she's now cancer free, and I don't anticipate any of this slowing her down."

In a statement, Chris Jones, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate running against Sanders during the 2022 contest, and his family offered their well-wishes for Sanders.

"Our hearts go out to you, Sarah. Our family is thinking of you and praying for you and your family. It's truly a blessing that you caught this cancer early and were able to receive world-class treatment so quickly. From one family of Arkansans to another, we send you hope, love, and healing," the Jones family said in the statement. "Our family has been on this journey before and, while it's not easy, we know personally the power of prayer, the healing hand of God, and the strength that comes from being surrounded by community. May you have an abundance of all in this season. We wish you a successful recovery. God bless."