Chris James issued the following statement on the death of Donald Payne, Jr.: ”I have known Donald M. Payne, Jr. my entire life and it is with the heaviest heart that I offer this statement on his passing. “Long before he held any public office Congressman Payne was simply ‘Chop’ to me and I was ‘Kringle” to him. He was my chosen big brother, buddy and a favorite person to quite literally chop it up with. To know him is to love his humor, his ability to cut to the chase and his love for people. His love for family and his profound understanding of legacy are what I loved most about him. “Chop ..read more

Rep. Thomas Kean, Jr. issued the following statement on the death of Rep. Donald Payne, Je.: “Rhonda and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. this morning. Donald will be remembered for his decency, passion, and selflessness. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and the people he represented in this difficult time.” The post Payne Tribute: Tom Kean, Jr. appeared first on New Jersey Globe ..read more

Newark Council President LaMonica McIver released the following statement on the death of Rep. Donald Payne: “Today, I join Newark residents, the people of the 10th congressional district and our nation in mourning the loss of Congressman Payne, a dedicated public servant whose tireless devotion to his constituents and country spanned over a decade. He was a friend, colleague, visionary leader, and courageous advocate for our community who will be missed very much. His legacy as a fierce advocate for healthcare, homeland security, gun control, infrastructure, and women’s rights and a champion ..read more

West New York Mayor and former Rep. Albio Sires  issued the following statement on the death of Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.: “The residents of New Jersey, Newark and the 10th Congressional District lost a great leader”, stated Mayor Albio Sires of West New York. “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 NJ Assemblyman William D. Payne during this difficult time. Donald was a leader on prote ..read more

Assemblyman Reginald Atkins issued the following statement on the death of Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.: “We join Governor Phil Murphy and the entire state of New Jersey in mourning the loss of a true public servant, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. Donald was not only a colleague but a beloved friend whose commitment to service was evident in every aspect of his life. “From his days as Newark City Council President to his impactful years in Congress, Donald fought tirelessly for the rights and welfare of the working families in New Jersey. His efforts to ensure safe drinking water in Newark and to ..read more

Rep. Sanford Bishop of Georgia issued the following statement on the death of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.: “Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., had the heart of a public servant and was a compassionate, affable soul who loved his family and his community. He was a good friend who also knew how to reach across the aisle to get the job done in Congress for his constituents and the American people. “His mother died when he was young, and he was reared by his single father, the late Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr. His father must have been beaming with pride when his son succeeded him in serving the people ..read more

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford of Nevada and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on the death of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.: “Today, the Congressional Black Caucus mourns the loss of our dear colleague and friend, Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., and we are holding his family and loved ones in our hearts during this difficult time. “Representative Payne served the people of New Jersey and our country honorably for six terms in the U.S. Congress. He was an advocate for racial justice, equal rights for all, reproductive freedom, free coll ..read more

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona issued the following statement on the death of Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.: “Congressman Donald Payne was a dedicated public servant whose work on gun safety reform made New Jersey stronger and safer. My heart is with his loved ones during this difficult time.” The post Payne Tribute: Gabby Giffords appeared first on New Jersey Globe ..read more

32BJSEIU State Director Kevin R. Brown issued the following statement on the death of Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.: “Like his father, Donald Payne Jr. remained a committed champion of the working people of New Jersey throughout his career. Today, we join his family and loved ones in honoring the memory of a trailblazer and true leader.” The post Payne Tribute: Kevin Brown appeared first on New Jersey Globe ..read more

Jersey City mayoral candidate Mussab Ali issued the following statement on the death of Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.: “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 ..read more