DeKalb GA News

New Jersey Representative Donald Norcross is undergoing an extended hospitalization following a serious medical emergency, his office reports. The Democrat, who serves the state's 1st District, is in intensive care at Cooper University Hospital in Camden. Norcross, 66, experienced a medical emergency earlier this month during travel in North Carolina.

According to the New Jersey Globe, "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." He was transferred to Cooper University Hospital in New Jersey on April 7, as confirmed by his office.

Norcross was diagnosed with cholangitis, which advanced to sepsis, a dangerous condition. Physicians at Cooper removed the gallstone responsible for the infection, but Norcross remains in intensive care. Dr. Eric Kupersmith, executive chief physician at Cooper University Health Care, stated that Norcross is responding to treatment but "faces an extended recovery that could require physical rehabilitation."

The prolonged recovery period is a concern for House Democrats, given Congress's tight margins. As reported by Politico, every vote is crucial for both parties. The absence of Norcross adds to the challenges faced by Democrats, who are already down several members due to recent deaths, including New Jersey's Rep. Bill Pascrell and Texas's Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, reported by nj.com and the Texas Tribune, respectively. These vacancies have strained Democratic numbers in the House.

With Norcross absent, Democrats are endeavoring to sustain their voting strength. The House currently has Republicans in control with a narrow 220-213 majority following recent Florida special elections, as noted by Reuters. "Last week, Norcross’s absence… allowed the GOP to pass a controversial budget proposal – one that Norcross called 'disgusting' and 'draconian' in a statement.

Norcross's office remains functional, with staff handling constituent services. He reportedly stays in touch with his team, staying informed about developments in Washington and his district. However, his physical presence in Congress is unlikely in the near future. Politico suggests this represents a strategic challenge for Democratic leadership during a contentious legislative session.

The absence presents difficulties as Democrats contend with a demanding agenda, including upcoming health care reform votes. Norcross’s absence could weaken their stance on critical issues.

Sepsis, which Norcross is dealing with, occurs when the body responds overly to an infection, potentially causing organ failure if untreated, describes the Mayo Clinic. The mortality rate for septic shock is between 30 percent to 40 percent.

The timeline for Norcross's recovery remains unclear, with rehabilitation expected to last several weeks or months. This uncertainty places Democrats in a challenging position as they strategize their next moves.

Democratic leaders might have to depend on special elections to fill seats, although they require time. For now, they must proceed in Congress without Norcross's vote, a substantial obstacle in a closely divided House.

This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.