Democratic U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, the first and only black Congressman elected in New Jersey, died Tuesday. He was 77.
Payne's brother, William, said he died at St. Barnabas Hospital in Livingston.
The 12-term member of the House had announced in February that he was undergoing treatment for colon cancer and would continue to represent his district. He was flown back home to New Jersey on Friday from Georgetown University Hospital as his health took a sudden turn for the worse.
He had held his congressional seat since 1988 and was elected to a 12th term in 2010. He represented the 10th District, which includes the city of Newark and parts of Essex, Hudson and Union counties.
Payne had been chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and a congressional delegate to the United Nations. He also was a member of the Newark City Council from 1982 until 1988 and was a teacher in Newark for 15 years. He also served as president of the national YMCA. He earned a bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University in 1957.
Payne was a widower with three children and four grandchildren. His son, Donald Payne Jr., is a Newark city councilman.
He was remembered by his Congressional colleagues for his work on human rights and on behalf of the poor.
Politics
“Congressman Payne spoke out on behalf of suffering people in some of the most difficult situations around the world: from Rwanda to Sudan to the peace process in Northern Ireland,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif).
Here’s what other politicians are saying about Payne:
NJ Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Twitter:
“He was a leader with great compassion for every person he had the honor of representing. He was a great role model for every person in NJ who aspires to public services. He was a true gentleman and we considered him a friend.”
U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D-NJ First District):
“He will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to improving civil rights and education, but also for his leadership in advancing social justice around the world. Particularly, through his work on the African continent, Donald has single-handedly raised awareness on critical human rights issues around the globe.”
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ 12th District):
“No one in Congress has been a stronger advocate for equality of opportunity in education. No one has been a greater advocate for child services and youth development. No one has been more knowledgeable about Africa. No one has been more consistent in the fight to respect workers' safety and working conditions.”
