THE HILL
Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-N.J.), who represented New Jersey in the House for more than a decade, has died at the age of 65.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) confirmed Payne’s death in a Wednesday statement.
“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.,” he wrote.
Payne had what his office called a “cardiac episode” related to complications from diabetes more than two weeks ago and had been hospitalized since.
The New Jersey Globe reported last week that Payne had remained unconscious after his cardiac episode, which occurred in early April. His office, however, issued a statement saying the Congressman was in “stable condition” at a local hospital under doctor’s care, adding “While we hope for a full recovery, we ask everyone to keep him in your prayers.”
Payne had served in Congress since 2012, representing New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District, which covers parts of Essex, Hudson and Union counties. He was first elected to the House in a 2012 special election to fill the seat left open after the death of his father, Donald Payne.
