Donald Payne Jr., a House Democrat, passes away from a cardiac episode over a week ago
Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a House Democrat from New Jersey, passed away at 65 after a cardiac episode. He battled health issues, including diabetes and kidney problems, requiring dialysis. Governor Phil Murphy mourned his loss, praising Payne as a dedicated public servant. Payne’s legacy includes advancing clean water projects and supporting various progressive policies during his six terms in office.
Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ) died Wednesday after suffering a “cardiac episode” earlier this month and battling a series of health troubles over recent years.
The under-the-radar House Democrat died at 65 after suffering a heart attack on April 6. He was on a ventilator in the intensive care unit at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center since then. Over the recent years, the six-term progressive congressman suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney problems that required regular dialysis, per the New Jersey Globe.
Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) issued a statement on Payne’s passing on Wednesday, calling him a “steadfast champion.”
“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.,” the governor said. “With his signature bowtie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service.”
“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,” Murphy added. “And it will live on in his wife Beatrice, and their three children, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne, who were the pride of his life.”
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. pic.twitter.com/TaqMIzAWmo
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 24, 2024
Payne entered Congress in 2012 after his father, former Rep. Donald Payne Sr., died of colon cancer. Payne Sr. was New Jersey’s first black representative.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) offered his condolences in a post on X.
“We are saddened to be informed of the passing today of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., who had been serving New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District since 2012, and who succeeded his father in the same position,” Johnson said. “Our prayers are offered today for his family and friends, and especially his wife, Bea, and their three children.”
Over his six terms in office, Payne Jr. supported Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, racial justice, and reproductive freedom, among other policies. He led the national movement to fund clean drinking water projects across the nation that resulted in the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021, which included $55 billion for a nationwide replacement of lead pipes.
Payne Jr. also sponsored the Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2019 and voted for the Build Back Better Act. When House Democrats held the majority, he served as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. He previously headed the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, as well.
“I’m devastated to hear of the passage of my colleague and friend, Congressman Donald Payne Jr. Donald was [a] progressive leader on transportation and infrastructure,” Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) said in a post on X. “I join his family, friends, and constituents in mourning a great man and fighter for the people of New Jersey.”
Before coming to Capitol Hill, Payne Jr. previously served as the president of the Newark City Council and as an Essex County freeholder. The congressman then won his election in 2012 in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District, one of the most Democratic in the nation, with 87.6% against Republican Brian Kelemen. Payne Jr. was running unopposed in the 2024 Democratic primary scheduled for June 4.
Vincent Evans, executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus, said it is a “sad day” for the caucus members.
“It’s a sad day here at the @TheBlackCaucus with the passing of one of our very own, @RepDonaldPayne,” Evans said. “I knew the Congressman long before I came to the CBC. I spent a lot of time in his district over the years and he was beloved.”
“Couple of weeks back on the House floor, as we usually do, we caught up and talked about some mutual friends with a smile,” Evans continued. “He always told me how proud he was of how far I had come—I always shared how thankful I was for his guidance over the year’s. Will miss him dearly.”
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Though typically flying under the radar, Payne Jr. came under ridicule in 2021 when a live Zoom camera caught him without pants during a committee hearing. House Republicans were quick to criticize, but the congressman used self-deprecating humor to diffuse the situation, according to the New Jersey Globe‘s obituary.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Payne Jr.’s office for comment.
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