New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne Jr. died Wednesday after this month’s hospitalization for a heart attack. He was only 65.
Payne has become the second member of Congress to have died during this term, along with the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Plus, an additional eight representatives, including former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have resigned in the middle of their term.
His untimely death caps a House session marked by unusually high turnover, and it leaves the GOP to control the closely divided chamber by a margin of 218 to 212.
In a statement, Gov. Phil Murphy called his fellow Democrat a “steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey.”
“With his signature bowtie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service,” Murphy said in a statement. “As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles our working families face, and he fought valiantly to serve their needs, every single day.”
Payne had previously served as president of Newark City Council in New Jersey’s largest city, and on the Essex County Board of Commissioners.
Payne’s office had said his heart attack was connected to complications from diabetes. Payne’s father, Donald Milford Payne, held the congressional seat before him. When the elder Payne died in 2012, the younger ran successfully in a special election to succeed him.
He sat on the Transportation Committee and the Homeland Security Committee. In all, he won reelection six times, representing parts of Newark and some exurbs.
A New Jersey colleague, Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone called Payne a “truly great public servant.” Pallone credited Payne with allocating funds to replace Newark’s lead pipes and for raising awareness about colorectal cancer, Payne Sr.’s cause of death.
Pallone even earned an affectionate nickname from Payne. He was called “Uncle Frank,” he said.
According to obituaries in local media, Payne is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and their three children. He has received touching tributes from leaders of both parties.
Take a look —
We are saddened to be informed of the passing today of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., who had been serving New Jersey's 10th Congressional District since 2012, and who succeeded his father in the same position.
Our prayers are offered today for his family and friends, and…
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) April 24, 2024
Deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr., a good friend, highly effective public servant and compassionate leader.
My prayers and support are with the Payne family and his loved ones during this difficult time.
May he forever Rest in Peace.
👑👑👑🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/QXWkJPhzGv
— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) April 24, 2024
The Horn editorial team