Tributes poured in to honor the dynamic legacy left behind by Rep. Donald Payne Jr., who died Wednesday at the age of 65. For more than a decade, he served New Jersey’s 10th District. His impact extended beyond the Garden State as a member of several committees including the Congressional Black Caucus. NBC New York’s Pat Battle reports.
U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a Democratic congressman representing New Jersey's 10th District, died Wednesday following a hospitalization earlier in April for a "cardiac episode," Gov. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday.
Payne was 65.
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"Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our friend, and a steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. Our heartfelt prayers are with his family during this difficult time," Murphy said in an X post.
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“With his signature bowtie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service," Murphy said. “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.”
On April 17, Payne's office said that the congressman had been hospitalized earlier in the month after suffering a "cardiac episode based on complications from his diabetes." Prior to that, his staff had said he had a "good" prognosis and the expectation of a "full recovery."
Further information was not immediately available.
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Payne represented the heavily Democratic and majority district which covers portions of Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. A Newark native, Payne was elected to represent the 10th District in 2012, filling the seat his father, Donald Milford Payne, had held for more than two decades. Payne drew strong marks from liberal organizations for his voting record.
The Congressional Black Caucus said Payne would be remembered for his kindness and generosity and called him an advocate for progressive causes including making college tuition free, expanding voting rights and fighting climate change.
Other members of New Jersey's congressional delegation remembered Payne on Wednesday.
"New Jersey has lost a truly great public servant far too soon. Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. was more than a Member of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation – he was a part of our family," said Rep. Frank Pallone. "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."
"The advice, encouragement, and support Donald offered me when I first entered politics sticks with me to this day," said Rep. Mikie Sherrill. "Donald was someone who went out of his way to make others feel welcomed and heard. He was one of a kind. I will miss him dearly. It was an honor, for many years, to call him my congressman."
"When I was first elected, Donald was there for me, showing me the ropes and sharing his wisdom — not to mention a good Jersey ribbing. Don had a great sense of humor to go with his meaningful experience," said Rep. Josh Gottheimer, describing Payne as "a tireless champion for real people."
As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, Payne made school security a priority, helping to establish a School Safety Task Force at the Department of Homeland Security and pressing for federal agencies to take extra precautions for children and schools during emergencies, said fellow Democratic U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, of Mississippi.
Payne, who lived in Newark, began his public service journey by founding the Newark South Ward Junior Democrats, becoming its first president. He also served as an adviser to the YMCA Youth in Government program.
Payne had previously served as City Council president in Newark, New Jersey's largest city, and on the Essex County Board of Commissioners.
Murphy's office declined to comment Wednesday on the governor's plans to order a special election to fill the rest of Payne's current term, which ends Jan. 3, 2025.
Payne already filed paperwork by the March deadline to run for reelection and is to appear uncontested on the June 4 primary ballot. Should he remain on the primary ballot and win the nomination, Democratic Party committee members in his district could choose a replacement candidate to run in the November general election.
The district is likely to remain in Democratic hands, with registered Democrats outnumbering Republicans there more than 6 to 1.
Payne's survivors include his wife, Beatrice, and their three children, Murphy said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
