Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) is currently in “stable condition” following an “emergency medical event” that occurred over the weekend in North Carolina, his office announced on Monday.
The 66-year-old congressman was admitted to UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh on Sunday, with reports indicating that the issue is “likely related to his gallbladder.” His office stated, “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.”
Once medically cleared to fly, Norcross is expected to be transferred back to Cooper University Health Care in New Jersey to continue his recovery.
Norcross, a former electrician and union leader, has represented New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District—which includes Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington counties—since 2014. It remains unclear how long his health issue will prevent him from participating in congressional duties.
The House is anticipated to vote soon on several significant 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 is particularly notable as the House Democratic caucus has already lost two members in recent weeks. Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) passed away last month after serving only two months and two days in Congress at the age of 70. Just a week later, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) died at 77 due to complications related to lung cancer treatment.
Currently, Republicans hold a 220-213 majority in the House, allowing them to lose three members on a party-line vote if all members are present and still pass legislation.
In other news, President Donald Trump’s approval rating has reportedly risen to near-record levels, despite backlash from Democrats, establishment Republicans, and mainstream media regarding his ambitious trade policies. A recent poll conducted by J.L. Partners in collaboration with the Daily Mail, which surveyed 1,000 registered voters from March 31 to April 3, indicated that Trump’s approval rating increased to 53 percent, a four-point improvement from the previous week’s rating of 49 percent. The Daily Mail described this outcome as “surprising,” especially given the intense pressure and stock market fluctuations that occurred shortly before the poll.
The poll also revealed that Trump’s favorability among voters aged 18 to 29 improved by an impressive 13 points since March 7, suggesting he is building on the significant support he garnered from this demographic in the November presidential election. Additionally, the study indicated a six-point increase in Trump’s support among registered Democrats and independents, as well as a 17-point rise in favorability among Black voters since the last survey.
As Trump approaches the 100-day mark of his presidency, American employers and job board leaders have given him a favorable assessment, expressing optimism about the economy. TaChelle Lawson, founder of FIG Strategy & Consulting, stated, “I would give President Trump, right now, a pretty solid B+,” noting his focus on economics and business. However, she also suggested that his messaging could use improvement.
