BREAKING: U.S. Congressman Passes Away At 65

Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ), a progressive six-term congressman from New Jersey, has died at the age 65 according to the New Jersey Globe.

Payne suffered a heart attack on April 6 and has been unconscious and on a ventilator at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center since then. He had battled health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney problems that required regular dialysis in recent years.

The congressman from Essex County had not regained consciousness as his condition appeared to be more severe than initially reported. A statement from Payne’s office on April 9 described the incident as a “cardiac episode” and suggested he was recovering. However, his prognosis remained uncertain.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D-NJ) confirmed Payne’s death in a statement on Wednesday: “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.”

Last Wednesday, Payne Jr.’s office wrote in a press release, “Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. suffered a cardiac episode based on complications from his diabetes last week. Today, he is in stable condition at a local hospital and continues to be under doctor’s care. While we hope for a full recovery, we ask everyone to keep him in your prayers.”

Prior to his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Payne Jr. was involved in local politics, including serving on the Newark Municipal Council and as the President of the Newark City Council. In 2006, he ran for an at-large seat on the Newark City Council during the election that first brought Cory Booker to the mayor’s office. Payne placed fifth in a non-partisan May municipal election and third in a June runoff, securing a council seat.

He served as city council president starting in July 2010 after being re-elected. In 2012, Payne ran for Congress with the endorsement of the Essex County Democrats and won against a competitive field that included Newark West Ward City Councilman Ronald C. Rice and State Sen. Nia Gill. Throughout his time in office, he had focused on issues like transportation, education, and public safety, reflecting his priorities for improving infrastructure and services in his district.

In the upcoming 2024 congressional election, he faced no opposition in the Democratic primary on June 4th.

Payne is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and their triplets, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne. He is also survived by his uncle, William Payne, and his cousin, Craig Stanley, both former assemblymen from Essex County.