3 weeks ago
Image of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr., who died connected Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. Facebook
April 24 (UPI) -- Rep. Donald Payne Jr., who followed successful nan footsteps of his begetter by taking his legislature spot successful 2012, has died aft being hospitalized for glucosuria earlier successful nan month. He was 65.
He was serving arsenic Newark's metropolis assembly president erstwhile he won a typical election to switch his precocious begetter successful nan House. Donald Payne Sr. was nan first Black lawmaker to correspond New Jersey successful Congress.
"With his signature bowtie, large bosom and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied nan very champion of nationalist service," said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement. "As a erstwhile national worker and toll collector, he profoundly understood nan struggles moving families face, and he fought valiantly to service their needs each azygous day."
After Payne's father died of cancer, he won a adjacent superior to return complete New Jersey's 10th Congressional District. He became a nationalist leader for nan telephone to money cleanable drinking h2o projects crossed nan state pinch his hometown of Newark facing lead tube issues.
He besides gained nationalist attraction among progressives for his support for issues specified arsenic Medicare for All, nan Green New Deal, reproductive freedom, free assemblage tuition, improvements successful nationalist proscription and abortion.
Payne's decease leaves 212 Democrats successful nan House to 218 Republicans.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., led nan chorus of different lawmakers successful their condolences for Payne.
"I americium heartbroken to suffer my friend, Congressman Donald Payne," said Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J. in a statement. "He was nan exemplary nationalist servant, who from a young property strove to make New Jersey a amended spot for everyone."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Payne a "good friend" and a "highly effective" nationalist servant.
"My prayers and support are pinch nan Payne family and his loved 1 during this difficult time," he said.
