New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne Dies After Battle With Colon Cancer

Rep. Donald Payne (D-N.J.) died on Tuesday after a battle with colon cancer at the age of 77. Payne was a 12-term member of Congress and former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. According to his office, the reason for his death was complications from the colon cancer he was battling. His office also released a statement that said:

“Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Rep. Payne have lost a dear friend and inspiring mentor. Rep. Payne once stated, ‘There is a lot of dignity in being able to achieve things without having to create rapture.’ In accordance with his civil approach and global humanitarian efforts, Rep. Payne would want us to carry on by defending against injustice and protecting human rights so that all mankind can pursue the excellence of the human potential.”

Donald was elected to congress in 1988, and represented parts of Newark in New Jersey’s 10th district and led a prominent political family in the state. He was the first African-American elected to Congress from New Jersey, and led the CBC in 1995 and 1996.

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