Democratic Congressman ‘Stable’ After Suffering ‘Emergency Medical Event’
Representative Donald Norcross, a Democrat from New Jersey, has been moved out of intensive care at Cooper University Health Care in Camden after spending several weeks in the hospital due to an emergency medical situation.
"Congressman Norcross’ health has continued to improve, and he was transferred out of the Intensive Care Unit on Friday," his office said in a statement. "He has been successfully treated for his infection and has completed his course of antibiotics. The Congressman is on his way to making a full recovery."
The statement also expressed gratitude for the public's support: "The Congressman and his family are grateful for the well wishes and prayers he has received," it read. "Among the many people they’d like to thank are his incredible medical team, including the nurses and staff at Cooper University Health Care."
Norcross will remain at Cooper University Health Care in South Jersey to complete his recovery once he is cleared to travel by air, according to his office.
The 66-year-old lawmaker was originally admitted to UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, where it was determined that the health scare was "likely related to his gallbladder," per the office's announcement.
"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 office said.
The statement added, "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."
Norcross, who previously worked as an electrician and union leader, has served New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District—covering Camden, Gloucester, and parts of Burlington counties—since 2014, according to the New York Post.
At this time, it is not yet known how long Norcross’s medical issues will prevent him from resuming his congressional duties.
The House of Representatives is gearing up for key votes in the near future, including on a Senate-approved budget resolution, a measure to limit the power of so-called "rogue" judges, and a bill requiring proof of citizenship to cast a ballot.
Norcross’s absence adds to recent losses in the House Democratic caucus, which has already seen two members pass away in the past few weeks, the Post noted.
Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) died last month after serving just over two months in Congress. He was 70 years old. Shortly after, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) passed away at age 77 following complications from lung cancer treatment.
Currently, Republicans hold a 220-213 majority in the House, meaning they can afford to lose three votes on a strictly party-line measure and still secure passage if all members are present, the Post reported.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's approval rating has climbed to near-record levels, even as Democrats, establishment Republicans, and major media outlets have criticized his aggressive trade policies.
A recent poll conducted by J.L. Partners in collaboration with the Daily Mail surveyed 1,000 registered voters from March 31 to April 3 and found that Trump’s approval rating rose to 53 percent—an increase of four points from the previous week’s 49 percent. The Daily Mail described the result as “surprising,” especially after a turbulent period for the stock market and mounting political pressure.
The poll showed Trump's favorability among voters aged 18 to 29 rose by an impressive 13 points since March 7.
The findings suggest Trump is strengthening his support among young voters, a group that notably shifted 10 points in his favor during the November election, after heavily backing Joe Biden in 2020.
The same survey also showed Trump's approval among registered Democrats and independents increased by six points, and his support among Black voters surged by 17 points compared to the previous week’s numbers.