PATERSON, NJ – One of America’s oldest congressmen is out of the hospital and has an election to win this year. For a while, many speculated that he would not make it, but he did.
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson) has triumphantly emerged from a challenging 24-day hospitalization, signaling a major step in his recovery. Pascrell, who at 87 is a stalwart in New Jersey politics, was admitted to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center on July 14 after experiencing a fever. While initially expected to make a swift recovery, a setback on July 20 required him to receive breathing assistance, extending his stay and raising concerns about his health.
Despite the ordeal, Pascrell’s resilience has shone through.
His discharge marks the beginning of a new phase in his recovery, where he’ll continue rehabilitation to regain full strength. His chief of staff, Ben Rich, expressed the congressman’s deep gratitude for the exceptional care he received during his hospital stay.
Unlike his political ally, Joe Biden, the aging Pascrell is not backing out of the election.
Pascrell’s return comes at a critical time, as he is gearing up for his re-election campaign. Running for what would be his 15th term in the House, Pascrell faces Republican challenger Billy Prempeh for the third consecutive time.
Should he win, Pascrell would become the oldest serving member of the House, a testament to his enduring commitment to public service. The congressman’s long career and his ability to overcome health challenges reflect his determination to continue representing New Jersey’s 9th district, even as he approaches his 90th birthday.
This campaign will undoubtedly test Pascrell’s stamina, but his recovery so far suggests that he’s not ready to slow down just yet.
