Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a Democrat from New Jersey, has died at 65, according to a statement Wednesday from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr., a good friend, highly effective public servant and compassionate leader,” Jeffries said in a post on X. “My prayers and support are with the Payne family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Cut through the 2024 election noise. Get The Campaign Moment newsletter.
Payne suffered a heart attack on April 6 and was hospitalized at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. According to his office, the cardiac episode was related to complications from diabetes.
The New Jersey Globe, which first reported Payne’s death, said the congressman had battled numerous health issues including high blood pressure, kidney problems and diabetes.
The six-term House member was the son of a former congressman, Rep. Donald Payne Sr. (D-N.J.), the first Black representative from New Jersey. When his father died of colon cancer in 2012, Donald Payne Jr. ran for his seat in New Jersey’s 10th District.
The younger Payne is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and their three children.
Follow Election 2024
Before his election to Congress, Payne served as president of Newark’s city council and the Essex County Board of Commissioners. He previously worked as a toll collector.
Payne was a “strong supporter” of the Affordable Care Act and advocated for children’s health-care legislation as well as cancer prevention and gun violence prevention, according to his biography.
In a statement Wednesday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said he was deeply saddened by Payne’s death.
“With his signature bow tie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service,” Murphy wrote. “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.”
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr., a good friend, highly effective public servant and compassionate leader,” Jeffries said in a post on X. “My prayers and support are with the Payne family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Cut through the 2024 election noise. Get The Campaign Moment newsletter.
Payne suffered a heart attack on April 6 and was hospitalized at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. According to his office, the cardiac episode was related to complications from diabetes.
The New Jersey Globe, which first reported Payne’s death, said the congressman had battled numerous health issues including high blood pressure, kidney problems and diabetes.
The six-term House member was the son of a former congressman, Rep. Donald Payne Sr. (D-N.J.), the first Black representative from New Jersey. When his father died of colon cancer in 2012, Donald Payne Jr. ran for his seat in New Jersey’s 10th District.
The younger Payne is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and their three children.
Follow Election 2024
Before his election to Congress, Payne served as president of Newark’s city council and the Essex County Board of Commissioners. He previously worked as a toll collector.
Payne was a “strong supporter” of the Affordable Care Act and advocated for children’s health-care legislation as well as cancer prevention and gun violence prevention, according to his biography.
In a statement Wednesday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) said he was deeply saddened by Payne’s death.
“With his signature bow tie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service,” Murphy wrote. “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.”
