New Jersey Democratic Rep. Donald Norcross will be in the hospital for an extended period of time due to a significant medical emergency, according to his office. The Democrat, who represents the state’s 1st District, is currently receiving intensive care at Cooper University Hospital in Camden.
Norcross, 66, had a medical emergency earlier this month while vacationing in North Carolina.
“Norcross was on a flight to New Jersey from Florida last weekend when he began to feel unwell, and the plane was diverted to North Carolina so that the 66-year-old congressman could be hospitalized,” the New Jersey Globe reported.
On April 7, his own office confirmed his transfer to Cooper University Hospital in his home state.
The congressman was diagnosed with cholangitis, a gallbladder infection that led to sepsis, a life-threatening illness. Cooper’s doctors successfully removed the gallstone that was causing the infection, but Norcross remains in intensive care.
“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. 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 congressman’s office said.
Dr. Eric Kupersmith, the top physician executive at Cooper University Health Care, gave an update. Norcross, he added, is responding well to therapy but “faces an extended recovery that could require physical rehabilitation.”
Norcross’s absence comes at a critical time for Democrats. The party is already short numerous members owing to recent deaths, notably New Jersey Representative Bill Pascrell, who died in August 2024, according to NJ.com.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas died in July 2024, leaving another Democratic seat vacant. These defeats have strained the party’s numbers in the House.
With Norcross out, Democrats are battling to preserve their voter base. The House is now divided, with Republicans holding a slim 220-213 majority following the recent Florida special elections, according to Reuters.
House Democrats are concerned about Norcross’s extended recovery. According to Politico, with Congress operating on razor-thin margins, every vote counts on both sides of the aisle.
“Last week, Norcross’s absence … allowed the GOP to pass a controversial budget proposal—one that Norcross called ‘disgusting’ and ‘draconian’ in a statement.
The congressman’s office remains open, with staff providing constituent services. Norcross reportedly communicates with his team and monitors events in Washington and his area.
However, his physical presence in Congress is unlikely to continue in the foreseeable future. Politico believes that his absence presents a strategic problem for Democratic leadership as they negotiate a turbulent legislative session.
House Democrats are already dealing with a full schedule, including future votes on health care reform. Norcross’s absence may further erode their position on these crucial issues.
The congressman’s recuperation schedule remains unknown, with rehabilitation potentially lasting weeks or months. This uncertainty puts Democrats in a dangerous position as they choose their next steps.
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.