Tributes to Donald Payne Jr., the 10th District congressman who died at the age of 65, from Hudson County elected leaders and officials poured in Wednesday. Payne’s district included a large swath of Jersey City.
Hudson County Democratic Organization
“The Hudson County Democratic Organization is saddened by the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr., and we wish his many friends, family members, staff and colleagues the best during this time of mourning. Congressman Payne was a stalwart champion for Democratic values and someone that the people of Hudson County could always count on. This is a tremendous loss for New Jersey, and we will remember Congressman Payne as a dedicated public servant and a true gentleman.”
New Jersey City University Interim President Andrés Acebo
“We are saddened by and join in mourning the loss of a public servant who championed the people whose stories beautifully unfold on our campus and in our community and call our university theirs. May we all set our eyes high and emulate his zealous advocacy and service.”
State Sen. Angela McKnight
“It is devastating to hear of the passing of Representative Donald Payne Jr., who was a close colleague, personal friend, and mentor. Rep. Payne was a trailblazer who was unwaveringly committed to making New Jersey and our country safer, healthier, and more just. He was incredibly gracious and someone I could always lean on. Our giants are leaving us, and we must carry on Rep. Payne’s legacy and be fierce champions for change in his memory. May he rest in peace.”
Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis
“On behalf of the City of Bayonne, I would like to express my sadness about the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., who represented a large part of Bayonne for a decade. He was a real gentleman, a good friend, and a great person to work with. He worked diligently to obtain federal funding and projects for Bayonne. Congressman Payne and his staff kept in regular touch with my office about progress he was making on our behalf in Washington. He came to Bayonne on a number of occasions to help our community. We will miss the friendly style and effective voice that he brought to government. I would like to offer our condolences to his wife, Beatrice, and their children, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne.”
Eighth District Rep. Rob Menendez Jr.
“It is with deep sadness that I learned earlier today of the passing of my friend and fierce advocate for New Jersey, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. His sudden loss leaves a profound void in our delegation and in the hearts of all of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Congressman Payne was a dedicated public servant who fought tirelessly for the city, county, state, and country that he loved. Throughout his tenure in Congress, he demonstrated compassion, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others.
“It was a privilege to serve alongside of him, and I will always carry his advocacy and friendship with me as we strive on to continue the work, he was so passionate about — advancing justice, equality, and opportunity for all Americans. I extend my deepest condolences to Congressman Payne’s family, friends, staff, and constituents. As we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader, colleague, and friend, let us find solace in his incredible legacy of service and unwavering commitment to doing the people’s work.”
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy
“I am deeply saddened by the death of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. All of Hudson County sends sincere condolences to his wife, Beatrice, and their three children Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne. With a passion and dedication for public service, Donald worked his way up from within county and state offices to win elections for the Essex County Board of Freeholders and Municipal Council of Newark. He then succeeded his father in Congress in 2012, and has since embodied the committed, humble public servant we all strive to represent when we take office. On a personal note, soon after I became County Executive I met with Rep. Payne and constituents to bolster efforts to combat escalating gun violence.
“Donald was a tireless advocate for voting rights, the pillar of our democracy. ... Donald also played a vital role in standing up for minority- and women-owned businesses in Congress. ... We here in Hudson County continue to admire Congressman Payne’s values and work ethic and I thank him for his representation of District 10 in Washington, D.C. My thoughts and prayers are with Beatrice and their children in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
Ninth District Rep. Bill Pascrell
“I am anguished and devastated by the passing of my close friend, Don Payne. This is a terrible loss for his family and all of us who admired him every day. Like his father, Donald gave his entire life to the people of Newark. I cannot think of any member at any time who embodied the compassion, kindness, honesty, big heart, and humble demeanor central to public service more than Donald.
“He led the way for rail transportation and men’s health in the Capitol and was a beloved member of our state’s congressional delegation, always thinking about everybody else but himself. Donald will be tremendously missed and he brought peace and comfort to the Congress in everything he did. Sometimes leaders come and go but that is not the case here. We have lost Donald far too soon but the Payne name will live on in Newark and North Jersey forever. May God bless Don Payne and his family.”
State Sen. Raj Mukherji
“Heartfelt condolences to the Payne family. We’ve lost a true titan among progressives, always accessible to those he served. Watch over us up there. And pass along regards to your legendary father.”
Jersey City mayoral candidate Mussab Ali
“The first time I met Congressman Payne I was just a teenager and he told me that public service should be a part of every person’s life. The last time I saw Congressman Payne Jr. I wore a bow tie in his honor knowing it was a part of his trademark look. The Payne family name has a long history in NJ politics and his father made history as the first black person elected to Congress in New Jersey. He was an advocate for young people, a progressive, and ahead of his time on several issues. May he rest in peace.”
West New York Mayor Albio Sires
“The residents of New Jersey, Newark and the 10th Congressional District lost a great leader. My former colleague and dear friend Donald M. Payne Jr. was one of the most caring and gentle individuals I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. My sympathies go out to his wife Beatrice, his triplets Donald III, Jack and Yvonne and his uncle former Assemblyman William D. Payne during this difficult time. Donald was a leader on protecting families against gun violence, civil rights , transportation, and fighting for New Jersey working families.
“His leadership efforts in these areas will succeed him for many years to come. He was a champion for all people and believed that everyone should have the chance to realize their potential to the fullest. The congressman served his constituents with great distinction whether on the Newark City Council, Essex County Board of Commissioners or following in his father’s footsteps the late Donald M Payne Sr. His legacy will live on for many years to come. Rest Well My Friend.”
