Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr. has died, nearly three weeks after he suffered a heart attack that left him hospitalized in a coma at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. He was 65 years old.
The six-term Democrat and Newark native has represented the 10th Congressional District, which includes parts of Essex, Hudson and Union counties, since 2012, succeeding his late father Donald Payne Sr. Mourners are remembering him as a fighter and a friend. Working family, and someone who, as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said, had a love for his hometown that was part of his DNA.
“Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. has served as an icon for Newark, from his first teenage years as founder of the Newark South Ward Junior Democrats, through his service as President of our Municipal Council, to his acclaimed advocacy for New Jersey. “Demonstrated my devotion to the residents and their representatives in Congress,” Baraka said.
payne has survived By his wife, Beatrice, and his three children, Donald III, Jack and Yvonne.
His father was a leader in New Jersey politics, becoming the first black man elected to Congress from New Jersey in 1988. When he died in 2012, his son replaced him after winning a special election to fill the remainder of his term.
Payne served on various subcommittees, including the Congressional Homeland Security and Transportation and Infrastructure committees, and the Railroad, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials, where he was the ranking member. Before joining Congress, Payne served as a councilman and Essex County freeholder.
Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement saying He and First Lady Tammy Murphy are “deeply saddened.”
“With his signature bow, big heart and steadfast spirit, Donald embodied the best of public service,” the governor said. “As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles of our working families, and he fought bravely to meet their needs every day. That purpose was the light that guided him during his early years as Newark City Council President and his tenure on the Essex County Board of Commissioners. And it still guided him during his more than a decade of service in Congress.”
‘A true titan among progressives’
Condolences poured in from in and around New Jersey on Wednesday.
Representative Andy Kim called Payne’s death “incredibly painful news.”
“Donald served New Jersey with such respect, care and pride. He was a kind man who was never afraid to fight for what was right. We should aspire to follow that example,” Kim Wrote on social media. “I feel honored that I got the chance to work with such a great person, someone who always took the time to listen to me, offer advice, and stand together. Love and strength to his family in this difficult moment. “All of New Jersey is mourning today.”
Representative Frank Pallone Jr. noted Payne’s fight to raise awareness for diabetes and colorectal cancer prevention, as well as his advocacy for replacing lead pipes in Newark.
“New Jersey has lost a great public servant too soon,” Pallone said. “Don lovingly called me ‘Uncle Frank’ whenever I saw him, because we valued so much the strong relationship we had formed after his father’s death. We worked together to improve the lives and health of New Jerseyans.
Payne’s commitment to strengthening public education and expanding access to health care changed people’s lives, said Representative Mickey Sherrill.
“The advice, encouragement and support that Donald gave me when I first entered politics remain with me to this day. Donald was someone who went out of his way to make others feel welcome and heard, Sherrill said.
Representative Bill Pascrell Jr. said he was “saddened and disappointed” by Payne’s passing.
“Like his father, Donald gave his entire life to the people of Newark. I can’t think of any member at any time who has more embodied compassion, kindness, integrity, a big heart and a humble demeanor for public service than Donald,” Pascrell said.
State Senator Raj Mukherjee (D-Hudson) Said Payne was always available to those he served and was “a true stalwart among progressives”.
Payne’s “determination” helped him win a $900 million federal appropriation for the Gateway Project to upgrade the bridges and tunnels connecting Newark to New York City and improve the region’s transportation corridor, Baraka said.
Payne was running unopposed to retain his seat in the upcoming June 4 Democratic primary. Their name is on the ballot and cannot be changed.
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