Following the news Wednesday of the passing of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-N.J.), Black lawmakers shared memories and statements of support for the late lawmaker’s family.
In a statement, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) highlighted the work Payne, 65, focused on during his six terms in Congress, including racial justice, reproductive freedom, free college tuition and expanding voting rights.
“Representative Payne will be remembered by all those who knew him for his kindness and generosity,” the CBC said. “He leaves behind a legacy and commitment to service that New Jerseyans and our country will not soon forget.”
Payne had served in Congress since 2012, representing New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District. He succeeded his father, Donald Payne Sr., whose death in 2012 led to a special election.
Rep. Kwesi Mfume (D-Md.) shared that he had worked with both Payne and his father, and he noted the similarities between the two.
“I immediately noticed that both were so committed, so endearing, and so dedicated to empowering communities across New Jersey,” Mfume posted on social media platform X. “Like his father, Donald worked here in the Congress until his final moments. He leaves behind a powerful final goodbye in a life that embodied strength, selflessness, and compassion. My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and constituents.
During his time in Congress, Payne served as the ranking member and chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, as well as the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) called Payne “a true public servant” while Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), whip for the CBC, called the late congressman “a thoughtful leader and beloved member of the CBC family.”
Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) said in a statement that Congress needs more members like Payne, “who understood the meaning of public service.”
Payne’s death followed a “cardiac episode” related to complications from diabetes more than two weeks ago. He had been hospitalized since.
Though his office had issued a statement saying the lawmaker was in “stable condition,” the New Jersey Globe reported last week that Payne had remained unconscious after his cardiac episode.
On Wednesday, Rep. James Clyburn said he was “deeply saddened” by Payne’s death. He added that the New Jersey Democrat was both a colleague and a friend.
“He was a tireless champion for the people of New Jersey and a counselor to my late wife with whom he shared the debilitating consequences of diabetes,” Clyburn wrote. “His genuine good nature will be sorely missed.”
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