Donald Payne Jr.
Donald Milford Payne Jr. (December 17, 1958 – April 24, 2024) was an American politician who served as the U.S. representative for New Jersey’s 10th district from 2012 until his death in 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously led the Newark City Council (2010–2012) and served on the Newark Municipal Council.
After his father, longtime Representative Donald M. Payne, died in March 2012, Payne Jr. ran to succeed him. He won the Democratic primaries and then the general elections, and he was reelected several times to the House. In Congress, he worked on issues like violence against women, equal pay, and disaster relief funding for Hurricane Sandy. He also supported improving communications within the Department of Homeland Security and backed education and health programs.
Payne was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. He attended Hillside High School and Kean University (where he studied graphic arts). He and his wife Beatrice had three children and lived in Newark. Before entering Congress, he worked for the New Jersey Highway Authority and the Essex County Educational Services Commission.
In April 2024, Payne was hospitalized after a heart attack linked to diabetes and died on April 24, 2024, at age 65. In June 2024, he posthumously won the New Jersey primary as the only candidate on the ballot.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 19:10 (CET).