Deceased Democrat Wins US Election

Congressman Donald Payne Junior was running for Congress from New Jersey's 10th District. He was hospitalized with a heart attack on April 4 and died on April 24. Despite this, he won the election within the Democratic Party, and his candidacy appeared on mail-in ballots, The Washington Post reports .

Donald Payne was 65. He had previously won six congressional elections from New Jersey's 10th District, where he lived. Payne was raising triplets and was the son of the first African-American elected to Congress.

"New Jersey lost a great public servant too soon. Many knew Don for his signature bow tie, big smile and friendly attitude," said Democrat and Congressman Frank Pallone. He added that Donald Payne fought for affordable health care, improved transportation infrastructure and replaced water pipes that were "poisoning children in his district."

"Don was an optimist to the core and incredibly stylish. He was kind and gentle, and the way he devoted himself to serving the people of New Jersey was truly inspiring," said Democrat Joe Neguse.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has ordered a special primary on July 16 and a special election on September 18 to fill the remainder of Donald Payne's unexpired term.

The House of Representatives' employee page now says Payne's office in Washington and the 10th District "will continue to serve the people" under the direction of the House Clerk until a new representative is elected.

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