Wednesday, 20 November 2024

UPDATE: Democrat Congressman Passes Away Weeks After Suffering Heart Attack

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Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ) has passed away after he suffered a heart attack earlier this month.

He was 65.

Democrat Congressman Remains Hospitalized After Having Heart Attack

Payne was a six-term Democrat from Essex County.

"Payne suffered a heart attack on April 6 and had been unconscious and on a ventilator since then at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.  He battled a series of health issues in recent years, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney issues that required regular dialysis," New Jersey Globe reports.

"So saddened by the news that my friend Donald Payne passed away today. Always asking how he could help. Always thinking about others first. He’ll be so missed. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time," Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) commented.

"I am heartbroken by the loss of my friend, Donald Payne, Jr. It was an honor to serve Newark and our nation alongside him for nearly 20 years. His dedication to serving others, his deep human decency, and his love of people is a legacy that will last well beyond his passing," Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said.

New Jersey Globe reports:

According to Payne’s office, the Newark Democrat “experienced a physical accident at home…which necessitated hospitalization.”

“During his treatment for this health issue, he faced medical complications due to diabetes and high blood pressure that led to subsequent cardiorespiratory arrest,” Payne’s office said in a statement this afternoon. “Despite the dedicated efforts of the medical staff to treat him and improve his health, they were unable to prevent his passing, unfortunately.”

He is unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Payne’s father, Rep. Donald Payne Sr. (D-Newark), was a trailblazer in New Jersey politics. When he was elected to Congress in 1988, the winner of an open seat after twice challenging Rep. Peter W. Rodino (D-Newark) in the Democratic primary in a Black-majority district, he became New Jersey’s first-ever Black representative.

Per CNN:

Payne served on a number of congressional committees, and was the ranking member of a subcommittee for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Voting in the New Jersey primary has already begun. Assuming Payne wins the primary – there are no other named candidates on the ballot – the local Democratic parties would be responsible for naming a replacement for the November general election. Gov. Murphy will also need to call a special election to fill the remainder of Payne’s term.

With Payne’s passing and the resignation of Wisconsin Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher, Democrats will have 212 members in the House and Republicans 217. The narrow divide gives Johnson just a two-vote margin on party-line votes.


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