Representative Donald Norcross, a Democrat from New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District, was admitted to UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Sunday following an emergency medical event believed to be related to his gallbladder.
His office confirmed in a statement Monday that the congressman remains in stable condition and is receiving medical care.
Norcross, 66, expressed gratitude toward the hospital staff and is expected to be transferred to Cooper University Health Care in New Jersey once medically cleared for travel.
The congressman’s hospitalization comes as House Speaker Mike Johnson prepares for a Wednesday vote on a Senate-approved budget resolution, which faces opposition from some conservative Republicans seeking to advance tax cuts, border funding, and energy policy measures. No further details regarding Norcross’s condition or expected recovery timeline have been released.
First elected in 2014, Norcross represents a district encompassing Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties.
His brother, George Norcross III, widely considered the South Jersey political boss, recently had a racketeering indictment dismissed by a judge who found insufficient evidence of coercion or extortion.
Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw, who ordered the dismissal of the indictment, was appointed by Republican Governor Chris Christie in 2012.
The influential South Jersey Democratic power broker and the GOP governor formed an unlikely but consequential political alliance that reshaped New Jersey’s governance during Christie’s tenure (2010–2018).
Their relationship, is often described as a pragmatic, transactional partnership, centered on mutual interests in education reform, economic development, and consolidating control over key state institutions.
George Norcross III, whose political machine dominates Camden County and wields significant influence in the Democratic Party, found common ground with Christie on several high-profile initiatives.
They collaborated on the 2012 overhaul of Camden’s public schools, which included the expansion of charter schools and the dissolution of the local school board—a move that drew criticism from teachers’ unions and shifted public money into corporate coffers.
Their alliance also facilitated the passage of bipartisan legislation, including a 2011 restructuring of higher education that strengthened Rutgers University–Camden, a priority for Norcross.
Christie, a Republican operating in a predominantly Democratic state, benefited from Norcross’s ability to deliver support for key policies, including pension reforms and business tax incentives.
In return, Norcross gained influence over economic development projects in Camden, including tax credits for corporations relocating to the city and the growth of Cooper University Health Care, where he serves as board chairman.
Their cooperation extended to judicial appointments, with Christie nominating several Norcross-aligned judges.
Critics accused both men of prioritizing political deal-making over transparency, pointing to the controversial Economic Opportunity Act of 2013, which funneled billions in tax breaks to businesses—many with ties to Norcross allies.
The alliance drew scrutiny from reformers who saw it as emblematic of New Jersey’s insider-driven politics.
Despite their partisan differences, the Christie-Norcross partnership demonstrated how cross-aisle collaboration could achieve policy goals while reinforcing their respective power bases.
Their relationship appears to have cooled after Christie’s presidential bid and the Bridgegate scandal, but its impact on New Jersey’s political landscape endures.