Dead Democratic Congressman Donald Payne Wins NJ Primary

Clear Facts

• Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a Democrat from New Jersey, won the Democratic primary posthumously for the 10th Congressional District after passing away from a heart attack.
• The Democratic Party plans to call a convention to select a new nominee for Payne’s position before August, with a special election to fill the remainder of Payne’s term currently in progress.
• Currently, the House has 218 Republicans, 213 Democrats, and four vacant positions following the resignations of Reps. Bill Johnson, Ken Buck, and Mike Gallagher, and the death of Rep. Donald Payne Jr.

Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ), who passed away due to a heart attack a little over a month ago, has posthumously secured victory in New Jersey’s Democratic Party primary.
He was the only House candidate listed on the primary ballot for the 10th Congressional District, although voters were provided with the opportunity to submit a “Write-In” alternative.

In the Republican primary, Carmen Bucco emerged as the winner. However, he is not anticipated to pose a significant challenge in this traditionally Democrat-held district.
County officials from the Democratic Party are preparing to organize a convention prior to August to select a new nominee for the general elections in November, following the official ratification of the primary results on June 17.

A special election to determine who will serve the remainder of Payne’s term is also underway.
The primary is scheduled for July 16, with the general election following on September 18. As of now, at least 12 individuals, including 11 Democrats and Bucco, are participating in this race.

Payne, in his sixth term as a congressman, was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack on April 6.
His death was publicly announced on April 24. Payne had been campaigning for another two-year term in the House, with his name pre-printed on the primary ballots before his unexpected death.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) expressed his condolences, stating, “We are saddened by the passing of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., who had been serving New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District since 2012, succeeding his father in the same position.”
He continued, “Our prayers are offered today for his family and friends, and especially his wife, Bea, and their three children.”

During this interim period, the staff of Payne’s former office continues to manage the offices of the congressional district under the Clerk of the House of Representatives.
Constituents have been encouraged to contact this interim office for necessary information and assistance.

Following Payne’s death and the resignations of Reps. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Ken Buck (R-CO), and Mike Gallagher (R-WI), the House now comprises 218 Republicans, 213 Democrats, and has four vacant seats.
Just this week, Vince Fong was inaugurated as a GOP lawmaker, succeeding former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).

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