NJ Democrat hospitalized following ‘cardiac episode’

Rep. Donald Payne Jr. has been hospitalized following a “cardiac episode,” according to a Tuesday statement from the New Jersey Democrat.

“Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. suffered a cardiac episode based on complications from his diabetes during the weekend,” the statement issued by Payne in an email from his office reads.

“He was admitted to a local hospital for treatment. Currently, he is recovering in the hospital as doctors conduct routine exams to monitor and observe his improvement. The Congressman’s prognosis is good and he is expected to make a full recovery.”    

The email from Payne’s office also said he will be out of Congress this week.

Payne’s time away from Congress comes as there is already a small gap between the number of Democrats and Republicans in the House, with the chamber looking to take on issues including Ukraine aid and reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in the coming days.

The GOP’s razor-thin majority, which shrunk when former Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) left in late March, will further narrow when Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) leaves Congress on April 19.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) called Payne a “fighter” in a statement wishing him a quick recovery on Tuesday.

“My heart is with my friend, Congressman Donald Payne, and his family following the cardiac episode he experienced this past weekend,” she said in a statement. “Donald is a fighter and I’m encouraged that his prognosis is good and he is receiving the medical care he needs.”