Democratic New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne Jr. died at the age of 65 just weeks after suffering from a heart attack, the New Jersey governor announced.
Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy honored Payne’s embodiment of the “very best in public service” in a statement confirming his death Wednesday. He commemorated his work “to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey” throughout his 12 years in Congress.
“With his signature bowtie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service,” Murphy said in his statement. “As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles our working families face, and he fought valiantly to serve their needs, every single day. That purpose was the light that guided him through his early years as Newark City Council President and during his tenure on the Essex County Board of…
