By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

MANCHESTER – Executive Councilor John Stephen, R-Manchester, is recovering from a serious cardiac event while out running Sunday, according to colleagues and a social media post on his Facebook page.

The 63-year-old District 4 Executive Councilor is one of five executive councilors and resides in Manchester. He represents the Queen City and many surrounding towns.

“As many of you have already heard, John suffered a cardiac event while out for a run on Sunday and is receiving excellent medical care while he works towards recovery.

“The Stephen family asks that you keep John in your prayers. More updates as possible will follow,” the post reads.

The Executive Council is due to meet Wednesday at the State House for its regular meeting.

Janet Stevens, Executive Councilor for District 3 and a Rye Republican, also posted “wishing John strength, comfort and a full recovery. We’re all keeping him close in our hearts during this time.”

Stephen won election to the council during the last election after fellow Republican Ted Gatsas decided to step down.

He was the former commissioner of Health and Human Services of New Hampshire and operates a healthcare consulting company, the Stephen Company.

Stephen also was deputy commissioner of Safety in New Hampshire and served as assistant Hillsborough County Attorney.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte posted on social media that she and her husband Joe were thinking of him and hoped for a full recovery.