Payne suffered a heart attack on April 6 and was hospitalized at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. According to his office, the cardiac episode was linked to complications related to diabetes.
The New Jersey Globe, which first reported Payne’s death, said the congressman had battled numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, kidney problems and diabetes.
The six-term House member was the son of a former congressman, Rep. Donald Payne Sr. (D-N.J.), New Jersey’s first black representative. When his father died of colon cancer in 2012, Donald Payne Jr. ran to run for his seat in New Jersey’s 10th District.
Young Payne is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and their three children.
Prior to his election to Congress, Payne served as president of the Newark City Council and the Essex County Board of Commissioners. He previously worked as a toll collector.
Payne was a “strong supporter” of the Affordable Care Act and advocated for legislation on children’s health care as well as cancer and gun violence prevention, according to his biography.
In a statement Wednesday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D-) said he was deeply saddened by Payne’s death.
“With his iconic bow tie, big heart and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the best in public service,” Murphy wrote. “As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles our working families face and he fought valiantly to meet their needs, every day. »
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