A six-term House Democrat from New Jersey remains hospitalized more than a week after he experienced a “cardiac episode,” according to his office.
The office of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ), a 65-year-old husband and father of triplets, released a statement on Wednesday with an update on the congressman’s condition.
“Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. suffered a cardiac episode based on complications from his diabetes last week,” the statement said. “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.”
The statement was less confident than one released last week when Payne’s office first acknowledged a health incident over the previous weekend. At the time, Payne’s team insisted he had a “good” prognosis and was expected to make a full recovery.
Payne’s office sent out the update on the congressman’s health in the hours after the New Jersey Globe reported that Payne had suffered a heart attack on April 6 and had not regained consciousness since that time. The report also said Payne had been hooked onto a ventilator in an intensive care unit at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center for 11 days.
In terms of House business, Payne’s absence could have an impact as lawmakers consider foreign aid legislation. The chamber is narrowly divided, with Republicans holding a slim majority.
A flurry of well-wishes appeared on social media after the New Jersey Globe report got published on Wednesday and Payne’s office did not deny its contents.
“Keeping my friend [Donald Payne] in my thoughts,” Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) said in a post to X. “He means so much to New Jersey and we are all praying for his swift recovery.”
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Anthony Coley, a legal analyst and former Department of Justice official, said crisis medical communications for politicians “can be tough,” noting his own experiences working with former New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA), and Rep. John Lewis (D-GA).
“Rule of thumb—candor w/ constituents is always the best,” he said, “Bad choice by staff/family to conceal this info early on.” Coley added, “Prayers for the Congressman’s complete recovery.”
