Donald Payne Jr., a US congressman from New Jersey, died on Wednesday, more than two weeks after suffering a heart attack. He was 65.
Phil Murphythe governor of New Jersey, paid tribute to his fellow Democrat, whom he called a friend and “steadfast champion of the people” of his state.
“With his signature bow tie, big heart and tenacity, Donald embodied the very best in public service,” Murphy said.
“As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the challenges our working families face, and he fought bravely every day to meet their needs.”
Payne suffered a heart attack on April 6. He was taken to hospital in Newark and never regained consciousness.
Related: George Santos, accused fabulist expelled from Congress, drops bid for New York seat
He was first elected to Congress in 2012, succeeding his father, Donald Payne Sr., the first black congressman ever elected in New Jersey and who also died in office.
The New Jersey Globe reported Payne Jr.’s death. and said he had “checked all the boxes for support among progressive voters: he supported Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, racial justice, equal rights for all, reproductive freedom, public transportation and free college tuition.”
The newspaper also praised Payne’s work to fund clean drinking water projects, with notable success in his own city, Newark, and his sponsorship of gun safety legislation.
Among Payne’s fellow Democrats in Congress, Joe Neguse of Colorado said he was “devastated to hear of the death of my dear friend and colleague… a giant, a true public servant whose kindness, good humor and dedication to his constituents knew no bounds”.
Jasmine Crockett of Texas said Payne was “a progressive leader in transportation and infrastructure.” said: “I join his family, friends and constituents in mourning a great man and fighter for the people of New Jersey.”
Rev. Al Sharpton, the New York-based civil rights leader, called Payne “my friend and brother for many years”.
In his statement, Governor Murphy said said: “It has been my great honor to work side by side with Donald to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey, and we will hold his memory close to our hearts as we build on the Payne family’s deep record of advocating for the communities they served so dearly.
“Donald’s love will live on in the homes of his neighbors in Newark, who now have access to safe drinking water, and in the good-paying jobs he helped create for his brothers and sisters in labor. And it will live on through his wife Beatrice and their three children, Donald III, Jack and Yvonne, who were the pride of his life.
“Our sincere prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
