Rep. Donald Payne, Jr., 65, has died following a heart attack on April 6 that left him unconscious and on a ventilator at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, according to a report.
The progressive six-term congressman from New Jersey has battled several health issues in recent years, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney issues that required regular dialysis, according to the New Jersey Globe.
Following his father Rep. Donald Payne Sr.'s death from colon cancer in March 2012, Payne became a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives and won a tough primary in New Jersey's 10th district.
As a Democrat, Payne supported a series of progressive issues, including Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, Racial Justice, Equal Rights for All, Reproductive Freedom, public transportation, and free college tuition.
Payne served as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
He previously headed the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and actively promoted awareness of color cancer, especially among low-income residents in his district.
In a statement from Governor Murphy on the congressman's passing, he wrote, "Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our friend and steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.
"It was 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 upon the Payne family's deep legacy of service in advocating for the communities they served so dearly," he added.
Payne is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and their triplets: Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne.
