(NationRise.com) – New Jersey Democratic Congressman Donald Payne Jr. died on April 24 at a Newark hospital at the age of 65 after suffering a severe heart attack on April 6. The liberal leader was unconscious and had to be put on a ventilator by health specialists.
The congressman had been dealing with numerous health issues over the last few years, including kidney problems that forced him to receive regular dialysis, as well as high blood pressure and diabetes. He served in Congress since 2013 and represented the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey, which included parts of Union, Hudson, and Essex counties.
Many political leaders in the United States expressed their grief over his death, as they considered Payne a great person and an efficient politician who always wanted to give his best for New Jersey. One of these was the state Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, who said in a public letter that he and his wife were shocked and saddened by Payne’s death, as he was one of their dearest friends. In the letter, which was published on his Twitter account, the governor also said that Payne was a political leader who had no problem working with the other side of the aisle when necessary.
The congressman was born in Newark in 1958. He was the son of Democratic Newark Congressman Donald Payne Sr., who was the first African American in history to represent New Jersey in the House of Representatives. Payne replaced his father’s seat after winning the 2012 special election against the Republican candidate Brian Kelemen. While many thought that the conservative could achieve a surprising victory, Payne won with 87 percent of support.
In numerous interviews, he said it was an honor to be the son of such a prominent figure, as he learned the importance of equality and community from day one. He also said that while replacing his father was a challenge, he tried his best to make him proud.
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