Rep. Pascrell hospitalized with fever

by Nikita Biryukov, New Jersey Monitor

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-09) was hospitalized in a Paterson hospital with a fever Sunday, according to his chief of staff, Ben Rich.

“He is in good spirits today and awaiting test results and appreciates all well wishes,” Rich said. “He also told us that he is actively looking for a beer if anyone can help.”

Pascrell, 87, is the eldest member of New Jersey’s congressional delegation and has served in Congress since 1997.

Before joining Congress, he was an Assemblyman for nine years, including seven where he sat in the chamber and served as Paterson’s mayor.

He is seeking his fifteenth term in November.

Rich said Pascrell spoke with his office Monday morning.

The congressman was briefly hospitalized for a heart bypass surgery in 2020 after nausea and heartburn led to a hospital visit during which doctors found blockages in his arteries.

Pascrell’s hospitalization comes months after the death of Rep. Donald Payne, who was hospitalized in early April following a heart attack stemming from diabetes complications that left the congressman unconscious on a ventilator.

An election to find someone to fill the rest of Payne’s term is scheduled for Sept. 18, with the primary on Tuesday.