Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ) suffered a heart attack on April 6th and remains hospitalized.

He’s currently intubated at the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and has yet to regain consciousness.

The New Jersey Globe reports Payne’s prognosis is uncertain and his potential return to Washington D.C. is unclear.

Payne is a six-term Democrat from Essex County.

“Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr. suffered a cardiac episode based on complications from his diabetes last week. Today, he is in stable condition at a local hospital and continues to be under doctor’s care. While we hope for a full recovery, we ask everyone to keep him in your prayers,” a statement from Payne’s office read.

The New Jersey Globe reports:

Payne’s office told the New Jersey Globe last Friday, April 12, that the congressman is “still recovering” and his prognosis “continues to be good.” A spokesman for Payne declined to add anything further today.

Still, Payne’s friends are hopeful that he will overcome his current challenges, as he has in the past. Payne has battled a series of health issues in recent years, including diabetes and kidney issues that require regular dialysis.

He was first elected to Congress in 2012 after his father, Rep. Donald M. Payne Sr. (D-Newark) – the first Black congressman in New Jersey history – died of cancer. The younger Payne had previously served as the president of the Newark City Council and as an Essex County Freeholder.

In this year’s congressional elections, Payne is unopposed in the June 4 Democratic primary; his 10th district seat is among the most Democratic in the nation.

“Currently, he is recovering in the hospital as doctors conduct routine exams to monitor and observe his improvement,” an earlier statement from Payne’s office read.

“The congressman’s prognosis is good, and he is expected to make a full recovery,” it added.

Per NBC News:

With narrow margins in the House, Payne’s absence can have a significant impact on floor votes.

The current party breakdown is 218 Republicans to 213 Democrats, but when Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., resigns this weekend, that will change to 217-213. With Payne absent, the maximum number of Democrats voting would be lowered to 212.

In a 217-213 scenario, Republicans can afford only one GOP defection. But if it’s a 217-212 breakdown, they can afford two and still pass legislation without help from Democrats.

 

Join The Conversation. Leave a Comment.


We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.