WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Donald Payne Jr., a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives who represented a district in northern New Jersey, has died after suffering a heart attack, the state governor’s office said on Wednesday.
“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.” Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement.
After Payne’s death, Republicans now hold a 218-212 majority in the House of Representatives, and with a divided majority that sometimes goes against leadership, individual votes have the power to change the outcomes of legislation.
“Our prayers are extended today to his family and friends, and especially to his wife, Bea, and their three children,” said Chairman Mike Johnson, a Republican.
Payne Jr., 65, was first elected in 2012 after the death of his father, Donald Payne. The elder Payne has represented the district since 1989.
The younger Payne’s office said earlier this week that he was in the hospital after suffering complications related to diabetes.
Payne Jr. ran unopposed in the June 4 Democratic primary for his seat. The date for candidates to file for the seat has passed and ballots were sent to voters on April 20.
The governor’s office declined to provide details on plans for filling the seat.
(This story has been corrected to set the House margin at 218-212, not 218-213, in paragraph 3)
(Reporting by Makini Brice; Editing by Scott Malone and Diane Craft)
