Rep. Donald Payne Jr. died Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy reported. He has been hospitalized since suffering a heart attack from diabetes complications on April 6.
A Newark native, Payne was first elected to represent New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District in Washington in 2012, succeeding his father in the post. He also served on the City Council in Newark and as a freeholder in Essex County.
The 65-year-old congressman was in stable condition under doctor’s care, said a statement released by his office on April 17.
The governor said 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 bow tie, 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.”
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.”
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. called Payne a “passionate leader and advocate” and said the “Payne family has a legacy of public service, and Donald Payne Jr. continued that tradition.”
Payne’s “devotion to the residents of Newark” was acknowledged by Mayor Ras Baraka, who said the congressman had a “talent for engaging a wide spectrum of collaborators for projects he promoted, and strived to increase inclusive opportunities and diversity by inviting women- and minority-owned businesses.”
“As the son and namesake of the first African American to represent New Jersey as a U.S. congressman, Representative Payne had leadership and love for Newark in his DNA,” Baraka said. “All Newarkers mourn the loss of this great, compassionate man today.”
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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.
Since ballots have already gone out, his name will remain in place and after the primary is certified, the county committees in the district will decide who will be the candidate in November.
Murphy has two options as to when voters in the district will be able to fill the seat for the remainder of this term though. There must be a special election since there are more than six months left on the term.
The governor can call a special primary election, which must be held 70 to 76 days after he announces his decision and then a special general election must be held 64 to 70 days after the special primary election.
The other option is a special election on November 5, so voters in that district would pick who finishes this term as well as who fills the seat for the next term at the same time.
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 during this congress.
Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com