Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) is in “stable condition” after experiencing an “emergency medical event” in North Carolina over the weekend, his office announced Monday.
The 66-year-old congressman was admitted to UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh on Sunday, and the issue is “likely related to his gallbladder,” according to a statement from his office.
“He is currently in good spirits and wants to thank the doctors, nurses, and support staff at UNC Rex Hospital for all their work on his behalf during his stay,” the congressman’s office said.
“When the Congressman is medically cleared to fly, he will be transferred back home to Cooper University Health Care in the coming days to complete his recovery,“ the statement continued.
Norcross, a former electrician and union leader, has represented New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District—which includes the southern counties of Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington—since 2014, the New York Post reported.
It remains unclear how long Norcross’s health issue will keep him from participating in congressional duties.
The House is expected to soon vote on several high-profile measures, including a Senate-passed budget blueprint, a bill aimed at curbing the authority of so-called “rogue” judges, and legislation requiring proof of citizenship to vote.
Norcross’s absence comes as the House Democratic caucus has already suffered the loss of two members who passed away in recent weeks, The Post added.
Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) passed away last month after serving only two months and two days in Congress. He was 70 years old. Just a week later, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) died at the age of 77 due to complications related to lung cancer treatment.
“Republicans currently have a 220-213 majority in the House, meaning they can lose three Republicans on a party-line vote if all members are present, and still pass legislation,” The Post added.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating, meanwhile, has risen to near-record levels, despite several days of outrage from Democrats, establishment Republicans, and mainstream media outlets over the president’s ambitious trade changes.
According to a new poll conducted by J.L. Partners in collaboration with the Daily Mail, which surveyed 1,000 registered voters from March 31 to April 3, Trump’s support rating increased even after sweeping tariffs were imposed on dozens of trading partners on April 2.
The study indicated that Trump’s approval rating increased to 53 percent, a four-point improvement from last week’s poll, when it was 49 percent. The Daily Mail termed the outcome as “surprising” considering the intense pressure and stock market crash that occurred on Thursday and Friday.
Breaking down the numbers further, Trump’s favorability rating among voters aged 18 to 29 has improved by an amazing 13 points since March 7. The study implies Trump is building on the tremendous support he earned from the group in the November presidential election, when voters aged 18 to 29 switched 10 points in Trump’s favor after heavily supporting Joe Biden in 2020.
The president’s support rating increased by six percentage points among registered Democrats and independents, according to the study. The president’s favorability among black voters has increased by 17 points since last week’s survey.
Nearly 100 days into his presidency, American employers and job board leaders have given Trump a very favorable report card, saying they believe the economy “can win now,” even though, as they note, it hasn’t “started to win yet.”
“I would give President Trump, right now, a pretty solid B+,” FIG Strategy & Consulting founder, author and Freedom Economy Index (FEI) respondent TaChelle Lawson told Fox News Digital.
“He came in with a very clear plan, and that was focusing on economics. He’s definitely putting business first, trimming the fat. That’s something that small business owners, business operators understand and respect. I think that it’s clear that his focus is on American business,” she added. “I do, however, think that the messaging could use a little bit of work.”