Congressman Donald Payne Jr. died Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy reported. He has been hospitalized since April 6, when he suffered a heart attack due to complications from diabetes.
Mr. Payne, a Newark native, was first elected to represent New Jersey's 10th Congressional District in Washington state in 2012, succeeding his father. He also served on the Newark City Council and as an Essex County Freeholder.
The 65-year-old congressman is receiving medical treatment and is in stable condition, according to a statement released by his office on April 17.
The governor said he and First Lady Tammy Murphy are “deeply saddened by the tragic death of our friend and staunch advocate for the people of New Jersey.”
“With his signature bow tie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald exemplified the best of public service. A former union official and rate collector, he was a true symbol of our working people. “He deeply understood the challenges families faced and fought bravely every day to meet their needs,” Murphy said. “Donald's love will live on in the homes of Newark's neighbors,” who now have access to safe drinking water and are helping to create well-paying jobs for birthing brothers and sisters. did. ”
While in Washington, Mr. Payne chaired the Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He helped secure $900 million in state gateway projects in 2017.
He was also an advocate for medical opportunity, leading school water testing, and cancer prevention awareness.
Payne is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and three children, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne.
outpouring of sympathy
As news of Mr. Payne's death spread, his colleagues in Congress remembered him fondly. Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. said he was “agonized and devastated” by Payne's death.
“Like his father, Donald dedicated his entire life to the people of Newark,” Pascrell said. “Donald will be greatly missed, and he brought peace and comfort to the nation.” In all his actions he criticized Congress. Sometimes leaders come and go, but not here. We lost Donald too soon, but Payne's name will forever live in Newark and North Jersey. ”
Representative Frank Pallone said the state “lost a truly great public servant far too soon” and said Payne was not just a member of the delegation, but “a member of the family.”
“Don affectionately called me 'Uncle Frank' every time we met, cherishing the strong relationship we developed after my father's death,” 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, and his advocacy for the replacement of Newark's lead pipes. It was the very definition of public service.”
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer said it was a privilege to work with Payne, and U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill said Payne was an “exemplary public servant.”
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. called Mr. Payne a “passionate leader and advocate,” adding, “The Payne family has a tradition of public service, and Donald Payne Jr. continues that tradition. I took over,” he said.
Payne's “commitment to the people of Newark” was recognized by Mayor Ras Baraka, who said she “has a knack for involving a wide range of collaborators in the projects she promotes, and by inviting women and minorities to ensure inclusiveness.” “We strived to increase opportunity and diversity.” -Owned business. ”
“As the son and namesake of the first African-American to represent New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Payne had leadership and a love of Newark in his DNA,” Baraka said. . “All of Newark today mourns the loss of this great and compassionate man.”
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What happens next?
Payne was running unopposed in this year's Democratic primary, scheduled for June 4. Mr. Payne was a six-term congressman, elected after the death of his father, Donald Payne Sr., who served in the Newark State Assembly from 1989 until his death. In 2012.
Since voting has already concluded, his name will remain and the district's county commission will decide on a candidate in November after the primary is certified.
However, Murphy has two options for when voters in his district can fill the remaining seats this term. With more than six months left in his term, a special election should be held.
The governor may call a special primary election, holding the special primary election 70 to 76 days after announcing the governor's decision, and holding the special general election 64 to 70 days after the special primary election. is needed.
The other option is a special election on Nov. 5. Therefore, voters in that district will simultaneously choose who will finish out the current term and who will fill the seat in the next term.
There are currently 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats in the House of Representatives, with four seats vacant due to resignations. All 435 seats will be up for election this fall. Votes on several important bills are scheduled for this Congress.
Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey State Legislature. Email: sobko@northjersey.com