House Democrat from New Jersey dies at 65: 'Donald embodied the very best of public service'
Rep. Donald Payne Jr. died Wednesday after suffering a heart attack from diabetes complications earlier this month, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.
A Newark, New Jersey native, Payne was first elected to represent New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District in Washington in 2012, succeeding his father in the post. He has also served on the council in Newark, New Jersey and as a freeholder in Essex County, New Jersey.
The governor said in a statement that he and first lady Tammy Murphy are "deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our friend, and 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. 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," 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 in the good-paying jobs he helped create for his brothers and sisters in labor."
The 65-year-old congressman was in stable condition under doctor’s care according to a statement released by his office on April 17.
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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 an advocate for 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.
Outpouring of sympathy
Payne's congressional colleagues remembered him fondly as word of his death spread. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. said he was "anguished and devastated" by Payne's death.
“Like his father, Donald gave his entire life to the people of Newark. I cannot think of any member at any time who embodied the compassion, kindness, honesty, big heart, and humble demeanor central to public service more than Donald," Pascrell said. "Donald will be tremendously missed, and he brought peace and comfort to the Congress in everything he did. Sometimes leaders come and go, but that is not the case here. We have lost Donald far too soon, but the Payne name will live on in Newark and North Jersey forever."
Rep. Frank Pallone said the state "lost a truly great public servant far too soon" and that Payne was more than just a member of the delegation but was "part of our family."
"Don affectionately called me ‘Uncle Frank’ whenever I saw him, because we cherished the strong relationship we forged following the death of his father," Pallone said. "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 very definition of public service."
Rep. Josh Gottheimer called it a "privilege to serve with Payne," and Rep. Mikie Sherrill said he was a "model public servant."
What happens next?
Paine was running unopposed in this year’s Democratic primary, set for June 4. He had served six terms in Congress and was elected to his seat after the death of his father, Donald Payne Sr., who represented Newark in Congress from 1989 until his death in 2012.
Now it will be up to Murphy to call a special primary election, which must be held 70 to 76 days after the governor's announcement.
After that, a special general election must be held 64 to 70 days after the special primary election.
There are currently 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats serving in the House of Representatives, with four seats sitting vacant due to resignations. All 435 seats are up for election this fall. Votes on several pivotal bills remain on the schedule this session.