Democrat Congressman Hospitalized

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) was hospitalized Sunday night, just days after being released from a lengthy stay in a rehabilitation facility.

“Pascrell, 87, was discharged from St. Joseph’s in Paterson Wednesday following a three-week stay for a respiratory infection and fever, at one point being placed on breathing assistance,” POLITICO reports.

“He checked out and entered a rehabilitation facility but checked into St. Barnabas in Livingston on Sunday evening,” the outlet added.

Pascrell is the second-oldest public servant in the House of Representatives.

Rep. Bill Pascrell, 87, and the second-oldest member of the House, is back in the hospital.
https://t.co/aIn9EXxIHv

— David Wildstein (@wildstein) August 12, 2024

From POLITICO:

The congressmember — the second oldest current member of the House and set to be the oldest next session if he wins reelection — easily won the Democratic primary in June and is seeking a 15th term in the House.

Pascrell also had heart surgery in 2020 to relieve blocked arteries.

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Even before Pascrell’s recent health problems, his advanced age led to Democrats positioning themselves to run for his seat, though two high-profile potential Democratic contestants — state Assemblymember Shavonda Sumter and Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh — felt out runs this year before ultimately opting not to.

Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah challenged Pascrell in the primary largely over the war in Gaza, but Pascrell won 77 percent of the vote.

87 and still running for political position! Too much greed is deadly sin. Term and age limits are a must. https://t.co/R9PfBnqYud

— Dr. Madhusudan Raj (@MadhusudanRaj) August 13, 2024

New Jersey Globe reports:

The congressman’s newest health issue comes with a political deadline: if he decides not to seek re-election, he has until August 27 to drop out of the race, and Democratic county committee members in the Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson municipalities in New Jersey’s 9th district have until August 29 to pick a replacement candidate.

Pascrell faces Republican Billy Prempeh for the third straight time in the 9th congressional district. Pascrell won their 2022 contest 55%-44% and their 2020 contest 66%-32% (in an earlier, bluer version of the district).

“Save the date: **September 29th**! I’m going head-to-head with Bill Pascrell in an in-person debate, and this could be a turning point for our district. First and foremost, I want to extend my prayers to Congressman Pascrell as he battles ongoing health issues. At 87, he’s been in and out of the hospital, and we all hope for his full recovery. But let’s be real—the people of New Jersey’s 9th district deserve a representative who’s fully capable of fighting for them, not someone whose health is in constant question,” Billy Prempeh wrote.

“This debate is crucial. It’s about whether we continue down the path of career politicians who’ve overstayed their welcome, or if we usher in a new era of leadership. I’ve been fighting for term limits because it’s time to drain the swamp and bring in fresh voices who will put America First. Pascrell has had his turn—now it’s time for a change,” Prempeh continued.

“And don’t be fooled—they might try to pull a fast one and swap him out like they did with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The establishment will do anything to hold on to power, but we’re not going to let that happen. We’re closer than ever to flipping this district, and we need every one of you to step up. This is our time to take action. Let’s send a message loud and clear that New Jersey’s 9th district is ready for real change,” he added.

WATCH:

Save the date: **September 29th**!

I’m going head-to-head with Bill Pascrell in an in-person debate, and this could be a turning point for our district.

First and foremost, I want to extend my prayers to Congressman Pascrell as he battles ongoing health issues. At 87, he’s been… pic.twitter.com/1T6YjjfIXA

— Billy Prempeh (@BillyPrempeh) August 12, 2024

This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

View the original article here.