US Representative Donald Payne Jr., a Democratic lawmaker from New Jersey, has passed away, house Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Wednesday.
Johnson expressed sorrow in a post on X, stating, “We are saddened to be informed of the passing today of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also conveyed his grief, stating on X, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our friend and a steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.”
Earlier this month, Payne was hospitalized after experiencing “a cardiac episode based on complications from his diabetes,” according to a statement from his office.
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Representing New Jersey’s 10th District, Payne had been in Congress since 2012, succeeding his father after a special election following his father’s passing. His father, Donald Milford Payne, was the state’s first Black congressman, serving from 1989 until his demise in 2012.
Donald Payne Jr. was actively involved in various health-related caucuses and legislative initiatives, including co-chairing the Congressional Colorectal Cancer Caucus, Congressional Men’s Health Caucus, and the Congressional Peripheral Artery Disease Caucus.
As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Payne was instrumental in recognizing achievements within his district’s Black community. He was also part of the caucus that presented former President Donald Trump with a policy document in 2017, outlining strategies for advancing Black families.
In addition to his caucus involvement, Payne served on several congressional committees and held a significant position as the ranking member of a subcommittee for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
With Payne’s passing and the resignation of Republican Representative Mike Gallagher from Wisconsin, the House’s partisan balance will be 212 Democrats to 217 Republicans, leaving Speaker Johnson with a slim two-vote margin on party-line decisions.
