West says COVID-19 hospitalization made him ‘more dedicated’ to fight against vaccine mandates

Texas gubernatorial candidate Allen West (R), who is currently recovering from COVID-19, said his hospitalization with the virus has made him “more dedicated to fighting against vaccine mandates.”

West, who announced Saturday night that he has coronavirus-related pneumonia, advocated for monoclonal antibody infusion therapy as a way to combat COVID-19 instead of vaccines.

“I can attest that, after this experience, I am even more dedicated to fighting against vaccine mandates. Instead of enriching the pockets of Big Pharma and corrupt bureaucrats and politicians, we should be advocating the monoclonal antibody infusion therapy,” Allen said on Twitter from the hospital Sunday morning.

5/ I can attest that, after this experience, I am even more dedicated to fighting against vaccine mandates. Instead of enriching the pockets of Big Pharma and corrupt bureaucrats and politicians, we should be advocating the monoclonal antibody infusion therapy.

— Allen West (@AllenWest) October 10, 2021

Allen and his wife, Angela West, underwent monoclonal antibody infusion therapy at a Dallas emergency room on Saturday, the candidate revealed in a tweet. He said he now has natural immunity and double the antibodies.

2/ Yesterday my wife, Angela, and I underwent monoclonal antibody infusion therapy at Advance ER in Dallas — special hat tip to the staff there for their care and professionalism. The results were immediate.

— Allen West (@AllenWest) October 10, 2021

West, a former GOP U.S. House member representing Florida and the ex-chair of the Texas Republican Party, is running to unseat Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R), whom West has criticized for his handling of the pandemic and his stance on immigration at Texas’s border with Mexico.

State Sen. Don Huffines (R) is also running in the Republican primary for governor.

West wrote on Twitter that if he is elected governor he will “crush” any individuals who attempt to implement vaccine mandates.

“As Governor of Texas, I will vehemently crush anyone forcing vaccine mandates in the Lone Star State. There are far better protocols that individual citizens can utilize and decide for themselves,” Allen said.

“Our bodies are our last sanctuary of liberty and freedom, I will defend that for everyone, even the progressive socialist jackasses who must be saved from themselves,” he added.

7/ As Governor of Texas, I will vehemently crush anyone forcing vaccine mandates in the Lone Star State. There are far better protocols that individual citizens can utilize and decide for themselves.

— Allen West (@AllenWest) October 10, 2021

Angela West, who is vaccinated, was released from the hospital to return home, according to a tweet from Allen West. The candidate, who has not yet received the shot, is still at Medical City in Plano, Texas.

West said his oxygen saturation levels are now between 94 and 96, after previously dropping to 85. He said his blood pressure is at 120 over 74 and his recent temperature was 98.7.

3/ As stated previously, Angela was released to go home but there were concerns of COVID-related pneumonia for me. My oxygen saturation levels were initially at 85; they are now between 94-96. My blood pressure is at 120/74 and my recent temperature reading was 98.7.

— Allen West (@AllenWest) October 10, 2021

West has suspended in-person campaign events until he is cleared to return to the trail.

Abbott tested positive for COVID-19 in a breakthrough case in August. At the time of his announcement, he said he was experiencing no symptoms.

More than 72 percent of Texans aged 12 and older are at least partially inoculated against COVID-19, according to the state’s vaccine tracker.