New Jersey Democrat Bill Pascrell hospitalized again after discharge last week

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) returned to the hospital this weekend after being discharged to a rehabilitation facility last Thursday following his 24-day stay in the hospital for a respiratory infection.

Pascrell, the second-oldest member of the House of Representatives, checked himself into the hospital on July 14 after he had a fever. Later that month, his staff said Pascrell faced a “setback” and required “breathing assistance” but that his doctors remained hopeful for a complete recovery. He was discharged from the hospital on Aug. 8 but has returned, according to the New Jersey Globe.

The 87-year-old’s repeated health problems may elevate concerns that Pascrell is not fit to seek reelection this year or serve another two years in Congress. He has until Aug. 27 to drop out of the race, giving counties in New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District until Aug. 29 to select a new candidate.

Pascrell’s illness forced him to miss one week of votes in Congress. The House recessed on July 25, and members will not return until September. Pascrell will not be attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which begins on Aug. 19, per the New Jersey Globe.

For now, Pascrell will face GOP challenger Billy Prempeh, whom Pascrell has defeated twice before — 55% to 44% in 2022 and 66% to 32% in 2020, when the district was bluer. The congressman defeated Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah in the 2024 primary. Khairullah was a strong challenger who had targeted Pascrell for ignoring Arab American constituents due to the war between Israel and Hamas. 

If he wins in November, Pascrell will be the oldest member of the House and the second-oldest member of Congress at 87, behind Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), 90.

The Washington Examiner reached out to Pascrell’s team for comment.