New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne dead at age 65

Democrat Donald Payne Jr. from New Jersey has died at the age of 65.

Payne suffered a heart attack on April 6 and has been in a coma since then, intubated at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, according to the New Jersey Sphere.

He had suffered from health problems in the past, such as diabetes and liver problems, which required regular dialysis procedures.

Previously, his office had said Payne was on the mend after suffering a heart attack in early April.

A spokesperson for his office said in an April 17 statement: “Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr. suffered a heart attack last week due to complications from his diabetes.”

The statement continued that Payne was “in stable condition at a local hospital and remains under the care of a physician.”

Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., has reportedly been in a coma since suffering a heart attack on April 6

Payne has represented New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District since 2012

Representing one of the most Democratic districts in the country, Payne initially won his 2012 election with more than 87 percent of the vote

Payne was a five-term Democrat who was first elected in 2012 after the death of his father Donald Payne Sr.

The elder Payne held the same seat as his son from 1989 until his death in 2012.

Donald Payne Sr. also died during his term of office.

“We are saddened to learn today of the passing of Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr., who served New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District since 2012 and succeeded his father in the same role,” Chairman Mike Johnson wrote in a speech . statement Wednesday.

“Our prayers are extended today to his family and friends, and especially to his wife, Bea, and their three children.”

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy posted on

“Our sincere prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Payne’s death further complicates the deeply divided balance of power in the House of Representatives.

The late Rep. Donald Payne Jr. stands with his family for a ceremonial photo with former Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner during his swearing-in ceremony in 2013

Last weekend, former Republican Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher planned to leave Congress after casting his final vote on Saturday.

However, he has yet to resign from his position, according to the House Secretary’s office.

Gallagher is expected to resign before this weekend and is reportedly planning to take a position at data analytics company Palantir.

As it stands now after Payne’s death, there are 218 Republicans and 212 Democrats and five vacancies in the House of Representatives.

This means that if three Republicans vote with the Democrats, the vote would be 215 to 215, and a tie results in a loss on each measure.

Payne’s office did not immediately return a request for comment.