AREA — Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark), a progressive, six-term Democrat who was slated to run unopposed in the upcoming June Primary, died suddenly on Wednesday. He was 65.
Elected officials who knew Mr. Payne described the Essex County native as a dedicated public servant who will be dearly missed.
“Congressman Payne’s lifelong commitment to social justice and constituent service made a lasting impact on our community and beyond,” the Union County Board of County Commissioners said in a public statement last week. “Throughout his six terms in office, Congressman Payne tirelessly advocated for progressive policies that aimed to improve the lives of all Americans. From his strong support for Medicare for All and the Green New Deal to his efforts to address community gun violence and expand access to affordable childcare and housing, he was a champion for equity and opportunity for all.”
Rep. Payne, whose father, Donald Payne, Sr., served as New Jersey’s first Black Congressman, was first elected in 2012.
Since then, his political colleagues say, the longtime 10th District representative had worked to promote clean energy, safer communities and equitable access to social services.
“Beyond his legislative accomplishments, Congressman Payne’s personal story of resilience and perseverance inspired many. From humble beginnings in Newark, he rose to become a respected voice in Congress, advocating for those whose voices often went unheard,” the commissioner board said in its statement. “As we mourn the loss of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., we honor his legacy of service and commitment to building a more just and equitable society. His passion, integrity, and compassion will be deeply missed, but his impact will continue to be felt in the lives he touched and the causes he championed.”
Other New Jersey representatives, including Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, echoed similar sentiments.
“I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of my dear friend Donald Payne, Jr. I cherish the 10 years I had the honor of working with Don on issues important to us such as access to child care, improved transportation, and fighting cancer. I will especially remember our time on the Homeland Security Committee, where we both chaired subcommittees dedicated to protecting vital infrastructure,” Congresswoman Watson Coleman said.
Mr. Payne graduated from Kean College (now Kean University) and began working for the New Jersey Highway Authority in 1991 as a toll collector on the Garden State Parkway. In 1996, he joined the Essex County Educational Services Commission as supervisor of transportation before following in his father’s footsteps and entering the political arena.
He is survived by his wife, Beatrice Payne, and their 25-year-old triplets, Donald III, Jack and Yvonne.
“Donald will be remembered for his decency, passion, and selflessness. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and the people he represented in this difficult time,” Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. said.
According to a statement issued by Governor Phil Murphy’s office on Wednesday, Congressman Payne died of a heart attack after being hospitalized for diabetic complications earlier this year.
New Jersey state election laws dictate that since Congressman Payne was running unopposed to secure his party’s nomination in June, he will automatically be declared the posthumous victor of this year’s Primary election. Once the results are certified, Secretary of State Tahesha Way will declare a vacancy for the Democratic nomination in District 10. Democratic county committee members in the district — which includes parts of Essex, Hudson and Union counties — will then likely call a convention and pick a new nominee to round out the ballot.
