Rep. Walter B. Jones is now in hospice care, the North Carolina Republican’s office said in a statement Saturday.

“The family asks for your prayers, and for their privacy to be respected during this difficult time,” the statement read.

Jones, who has missed votes since September while battling medical issues, experienced an additional decline after breaking a hip last week, his office said.

The congressman from North Carolina’s 3rd District was sworn in privately at his home in Farmville earlier this month. He won a 13th term last November, running unopposed in the general election. But as someone who often breaks with his party, Jones has had to contend with strong GOP primary challenges in recent cycles. He’d already announced last year that his 13th term would be his last. 

Also watch: Trump warns of another shutdown if Congress doesn’t reach a new deal by Feb. 15