NJ Congressman Suffers Cardiac Episode; Payne Recovering In Hospital

NEW JERSEY — U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. of New Jersey is expected to remain sidelined from Congress this week after he suffered a cardiac episode related to his diabetes last weekend, spokespeople said Tuesday.

According to a statement from Payne’s office:

“Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr. suffered a cardiac episode based on complications from his diabetes during the weekend. 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.”

Payne (NJ-10), a Newark resident, has been open about his own struggles with diabetes, recently writing that he deals with daily health complications related to the disease, including regular dialysis treatments. He has been a strong advocate for lowering drug prices for crucial medication such as insulin.

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The congressman's peer in the nearby 11th District, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, said New Jersey is wishing Payne a full, speedy recovery.

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

Payne represents New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, which includes the following municipalities:

• Essex County – Caldwell, East Orange, Essex Fells, Irvington, Montclair (part), Newark (part), Orange, Verona, West Orange
• Hudson County – Jersey City (part)
• Union County – Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden (part), Roselle, Roselle Park, Union Township

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