Donald Payne: Mourning Continues For NJ Congressman With ‘Big Heart’

Donald Payne Jr. took up the mantle of his father, a trailblazing congressman, and carved out a legacy that was "uniquely his own."

By Eric Kiefler, The Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — For more than a decade, U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. has been a fixture in New Jersey’s 10th District, taking up the mantle of his father – the first Black lawmaker to represent the Garden State in Congress – and carving out a legacy that was “uniquely his own,” as a fellow lawmaker put it. And there’s no doubt that his recent death has left a hole in the hearts of many of his peers and constituents across North Jersey.

Payne, a longtime congressman known for his signature bowtie, advocacy for the working class and “big heart,” passed away this week at the age of 65. See Related: NJ Congressman Up For Re-Election Dies: Donald Payne Jr. Mourned

Payne, an Essex County resident, was hospitalized earlier this month after he suffered a heart attack related to his diabetes. See Related: NJ Congressman Still Hospitalized After Cardiac Episode

“During his treatment for this health issue, he faced medical complications due to diabetes and high blood pressure that led to subsequent cardiorespiratory arrest,” a spokesperson for his office said Wednesday.

 

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