Rep. Donald Payne Jr. of New Jersey dead at 65

Rep. Donald Payne Jr., the longtime 10th District Democratic congressman from New Jersey, has died.

According to the Associated Press, Payne Jr., a member of the Congressional Black Caucus who replaced his own father's seat, passed away as a result of a heart attack. He was 65.

The AP noted:

Payne served for 12 years in the Newark-area seat his father had held for more than two decades. Representing a heavily Democratic and majority Black district, Payne drew strong marks from liberal organizations for his voting record.

According to reporting from Fox News reporter Chad Pergram, Payne had been suffering from health problems "for years."

The AP noted that Payne's office reported that his fatal cardiac event was related complications stemming from his diabetes issues.

Given his popularity within his party, tributes to Payne poured in from across the spectrum, from social media to his former colleagues in Congress, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

"Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. is a very sad loss for the people of New Jersey, for those of us who had the privilege to serve with him, and for our entire country. Our House Democratic Caucus was blessed by Congressman Payne, Jr. – and we will miss him dearly," Pelosi wrote in an Instagram post.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy released a statement in the wake of Payne's passing, praising him for his work in the state at the congressional level.

"With his signature bowtie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service," Gov. Murphy said. "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."

The governor added, "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."

Fellow New Jersey member of Congress Sen. Cory Booker released a tribute to Payne, who he called his friend.

I am heartbroken by the loss of my friend, Donald Payne, Jr. It was an honor to serve Newark and our nation alongside him for nearly 20 years. His dedication to serving others, his deep human decency, and his love of people is a legacy that will last well beyond his passing. pic.twitter.com/nP5yGJS4It

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) April 24, 2024

Payne ran for Congress for the first time after his father passed in 2012.

He was able to win six reelection since first joining the lower chamber.