Representative Donald Payne Jr. died Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy said. He has been hospitalized since suffering a heart attack due to complications of diabetes on April 6.
A native of Newark, Payne was first elected to represent New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District in Washington in 2012, succeeding his father in the post. He also served on the city council in Newark and as a freeholder in Essex County.
A statement issued by his office on April 17 said that the 65-year-old Congressman’s condition was stable under the care of doctors.
The governor said he and First Lady Tammy Murphy were “deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our friend and a steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey.”
“With his signature bow tie, big heart and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the best of public service. 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,” Murphy said. “Donald’s love will live on in the homes of his neighbors in Newark. , who now have access to safe drinking water, and helped create good-paying jobs for their labor brothers and sisters.”
While in Washington, Payne chaired the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He played a role in securing $900 million for the state’s Gateway Project in 2017.
He was also a supporter of health care opportunities, lead testing in school water, and cancer prevention awareness.
Payne is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and their three children, Donald III, Jack and Yvonne.
flood of sympathy
As news of Payne’s death spread, his congressional colleagues remembered him fondly. Representative Bill Pascrell Jr. said he was “distressed and devastated” by Payne’s death.
“Like his father, Donald gave his entire life to the people of Newark. I can’t think of any member at any time who in public service embodied more compassion, kindness, honesty, a big heart and a humble demeanor than Donald.” “Donald will be greatly missed, and may he rest in peace and Whatever he brought, he supported the Congress. Sometimes leaders come and go, but that is not the case here. We have lost Donald too soon, but the Payne name will live on in Newark and North Jersey forever.”
Representative Frank Pallone said the state “lost a great public servant too soon” and that Payne was more than just a member of the delegation, but “part of our family.”
Pallone said, “Don used to affectionately call me ‘Uncle Frank’ whenever he saw him, because he valued the strong bond we had built after his father’s death.” “We worked together to improve the lives and health of New Jerseyans. His fight to raise awareness for diabetes and colorectal cancer prevention, as well as his advocacy for replacing lead pipes in Newark, epitomized the definition of public service. made.”
Representative Josh Gottheimer called it “a privilege to serve with Payne” and Representative Mickey Sherrill said he was a “model public servant.”
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. called Payne a “passionate leader and advocate” and said that “the Payne family has a legacy of public service, and Donald Payne Jr. continued that tradition.”
Payne’s “devotion to the residents of Newark” was acknowledged by Mayor Ras Baraka, who said the congressman “had a talent for enlisting a wide range of partners for the projects he worked on, and he worked to be inclusive by inviting women and minorities. Tried to increase opportunities and diversity.” -Owned businesses.
“As the son and namesake of the first African American to represent New Jersey as a U.S. Congressman, Representative Payne had leadership and love for Newark in his DNA,” Baraka said. “All New Yorkers are mourning the passing of this great, kind man today.”
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what happens next?
Penn was running unopposed in the Democratic primary to be held on June 4 this year. He had served six terms in Congress and was elected to his seat following the death of his father, Donald Payne Sr., who represented Newark in Congress from 1989 until his death. in 2012.
Since the ballots have already gone out, their names will remain in place and after the primary is certified, the district’s county committees will decide who will be the candidate in November.
However, Murphy has two options as to when voters in the district will be able to fill the seat for the remainder of this term. Since there are more than six months left in the term, a special election must be held.
The Governor may call a special primary election, which must be held 70 to 76 days after announcing his decision, and then a special general election 64 to 70 days after the special primary election.
The other option is a special election on November 5, so voters in that district would choose who will serve this term as well as who will fill the seat for the next term.
There are currently 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats serving in the House of Representatives, with four seats vacant due to resignations. Elections are to be held for all 435 seats this autumn. During this Congress, voting on many important bills will take place on time.
Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: [email protected]
