Representative Donald Payne, Jr. (D-N.J.) died today at the age of 65. Payne was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack on April 6.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Payne, Jr. was a good friend and compassionate leader, stating on X:
Deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr., a good friend, highly effective public servant and compassionate leader. My prayers and support are with the Payne family and his loved ones during this difficult time. May he forever Rest in Peace. 👑👑👑🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said he was saddened to be informed of Payne, Jr.’s passing, stating on X:
We are saddened to be informed of the passing today of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., who had been serving New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District since 2012, and who succeeded his father in the same position. Our prayers are offered today for his family and friends, and especially his wife, Bea, and their three children.
Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said Payne, Jr. was a trailblazing figure, and a source of friendship, inspiration, and strength to him for many years, stating on X:
I’m heartbroken at the loss of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. Like his father before him, Donald was a trailblazing figure in our civic institutions, dedicating his career to the soul-feeding work of serving others. Over the almost three decades I knew Donald, he was a dear friend and a powerful colleague in Newark and in Washington. He was never about adulation or applause; the cause of his life was fighting for dignity, security, and opportunity for all people.
A lifelong Newarker, he never forgot where he came from or the people he represented. From the city council chambers to the halls of Congress, he fought to make life better for working families, whether through stronger schools, safer streets, affordable healthcare, or reliable transportation. He was indispensable in making sure we prioritize the Gateway Program and other critical investments in our New Jersey infrastructure that will pay dividends for generations to come.
Donald was a source of friendship, inspiration, and strength to me for many years, and I’m proud of the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind in the seat his father once held. We owe a debt of gratitude to Donald and his family. They are in my thoughts.
Representative Randy Weber (R-Texas) said he was saddened, and stated he worked with Payne, Jr. on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, stating on X:
I am sad to hear about Rep. Donald Payne’s passing. His office is right across the hall, and I worked with him on the T&I Committee. He will be missed by many. My prayers are with his wife, children, loved ones, staff, and constituents.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) stated Payne, Jr. was a fierce and beloved advocate for his constituents, stating on X:
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and colleague Donald Payne — a fierce & beloved advocate for NJ’s 10th Congressional District. His presence in Congress and the world will be truly missed. My heart goes out to his loved ones and staff during this difficult time.
Representative Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.) stated he was saddened by his Homeland Security Committee colleague’s passing, stating on X:
Very sad to hear the news about our colleague on the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Donald Payne, who tragically passed away today. My thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time.
