Ohio Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur has released her first public video since being injured in a Toledo car crash earlier this month.

The 80-year-old congresswoman said she is out of the hospital, beginning physical rehabilitation, and making a rapid recovery, as reported by Fox News.

Kaptur, the longest-serving woman in House history, appeared seated in what looked like a wheelchair near an office window.

She thanked supporters from Ohio and beyond for the messages she received after the frightening collision.

Gold. Upgraded. Buy real gold from $1. Store it in America. Sell it with one click.

MORE NEWS: Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Competition Is a Good Problem, Not a Crisis

"As I move to physical rehabilitation, sharing a message with the thousands who shared good wishes from our community, across our region, our country, and around the world," Kaptur wrote on X while sharing the video.

"It's made a huge difference in my very rapid recovery. Each of you continue to uplift my spirit as we move forward. Thank you!"

Kaptur and congressional staff member Keegan Zimmerman were traveling to a church service when another vehicle struck their car near Detroit and Central avenues in Toledo.

Police classified the wreck as a hit skip crash, the term Ohio law uses when a driver fails to stop after a collision.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Following recent reports that Congress is considering a nationwide voter ID requirement for federal elections, do you support requiring voters to show identification before casting a ballot?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Her office previously reported that Kaptur suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

She remained active and alert following the impact, while Zimmerman also emerged from the ordeal in good condition.

"Dear friends, first of all, thank you so very, very much for the thousands of good wishes that are coming from our community, across our region, our state, our country, and even around the world," Kaptur said.

"Really, it's made a huge difference in my very rapid recovery."

Close

MORE NEWS: Kentucky Middle School Teacher Gets Arrested Under Tough New Grooming Law After Student Allegations

The congresswoman also thanked supporters on behalf of her staff, singling out Zimmerman for being beside her during what she called a fateful day.

She said both were moving forward after an experience that easily could have ended much worse.

"I want to thank all of you on behalf of myself, my beautiful staff, including Keegan Zimmerman, who was with me on that fateful day on Sunday a week ago. He also is in good shape. And I'm working my way back and am so grateful for all of the help that has been given to me in this effort."

The House is currently away from Washington for its August recess, giving Kaptur additional time to recover before lawmakers return next month.

For once, the lengthy congressional calendar break appears to have arrived at a genuinely useful moment.

"We will not return to Washington until next month, so I'm blessed to have time to recover fully, and I want to thank the first responders, the fire and rescue squads, the police, and all of the medical personnel that served us at such a fateful moment," she said.

Kaptur specifically praised the doctors and other medical workers at Mercy St. Vincent's, where she received treatment after the crash.

She noted that the hospital serves patients from across the Toledo region, including many people in communities with limited access to care.

MORE NEWS: Infant and Woman Killed in NY Harbor Capsizing as Captain Faces Charges [WATCH]

"It was not a pleasant experience, and there were wounds that resulted, but let me tell you we have to be very grateful in this region to have the kind of dedicated medical staff that exists at Mercy St. Vincent's treating patients from across this region, many of are underserved," Kaptur said.

"Absolute dedication to saving lives. I was just so impressed."

Her recovery comes as she prepares for another competitive campaign in Ohio. Kaptur is seeking a twenty-third House term in November and will again face former Ohio state Rep. Derek Merrin, the Republican challenger she narrowly defeated in 2024.

That previous contest was decided by a margin only slightly larger than the 0.5 percent threshold that would have triggered an automatic recount.

A Libertarian candidate collected roughly 4 percent of the vote, adding another unpredictable wrinkle to the closely watched battleground.

Republicans view the district as a serious pickup opportunity in their fight for control of the House.

Kaptur's decades in Congress give her deep roots, but her thin 2024 victory showed that incumbency is no substitute for votes when a district becomes genuinely competitive.

Kaptur ended the video by displaying a handmade recovery card from a child named Avery.

MORE NEWS: Kamala’s Donor Nightmare Deepens as the Democratic Cash Machine Splinters [WATCH]

The card featured hearts and a drawing of a brown dog named Charlie, whom the congresswoman jokingly called half human.

"These are wonderful people, and they uplift your spirits, and each of you uplift my spirit as we move forward," Kaptur said.

Her immediate focus remains rehabilitation, though another bruising campaign and a closely divided Congress are waiting just down the road.

Gold is the oldest answer. SoundMoney makes owning it as easy as the apps you already use.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.