Washington.- The US congressman Donald Payne Jr.who died of a heart attack, won the Democratic Party primary in his district on Tuesday night because his name was still on the ballots.
Payne, a representative of one of New Jersey's districts, had run for re-election without opposition within his party, but at the time of his death the deadline for other candidates to submit had already expired..
The 65-year-old legislator suffered a heart attack on April 6 and was hospitalized in a medical center in Newark (New Jersey), where he died.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy ordered a special primary on July 16 and a special election on September 18 to fill the remainder of the deceased politician's term.
Payne first won his seat in the United States House of Representatives in 2012 and held his seat for six consecutive terms,
Who is Donald Payne, Democratic Congressman from New Jersey?
He was the father of triplets and the son of fellow politician Donald M. Payne, the first African-American politician to represent New Jersey in Congress.
The Democratic U.S. representative from New Jersey and member of the Congressional Black Caucus who replaced his father in the seat; however, died after a heart attack in April that left him hospitalizedofficials said. She was 65 years old.
Payne served for 12 years in the Newark-area post his father had held for more than two decades. Payne, who represents a heavily Democratic and majority-black district, earned strong marks from liberal organizations for his voting record.
With his trademark bowtie, big heart and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the best of public service,” Murphy said. “As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles our working families face and fought bravely to meet their needs, every day.”
The chairman of the New Jersey Democratic Party, LeRoy Jones Jr.., called Payne a “prominent figure in both our party and our community.”
The Congressional Black Caucus said Payne would be remembered for his kindness and generosity and called him a champion of progressive causes including making college tuition free, expanding voting rights and fighting against climate change.
Payne had previously served as president of the City Council of Newark, New Jersey's largest city, and on the Essex County Board of Commissioners.
* With information from AP
