Donald Payne Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald Payne Jr.
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 10th district |
|
| In office November 15, 2012 – April 24, 2024 |
|
| Preceded by | Donald M. Payne |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Donald Milford Payne Jr.
December 17, 1958 Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | April 24, 2024 (aged 65) Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Beatrice Payne |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Donald M. Payne (father) William D. Payne (uncle) Craig A. Stanley (cousin) |
| Education | Kean University |
Donald Milford Payne Jr. (born December 17, 1958 – died April 24, 2024) was an American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 10th district. This means he was elected to speak for the people of his area in the United States Congress. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Before joining Congress, he was the president of the Newark city council from 2010 to 2012.
Donald Payne Jr. followed in his father's footsteps. His father, Donald M. Payne, was also a U.S. Representative. After his father passed away in 2012, Donald Payne Jr. decided to run for the same position. He won the election and served in Congress until his own death in 2024. He was re-elected five times during his time in office.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Donald Payne Jr. was born in Newark, New Jersey, on December 17, 1958. He grew up there with his two sisters, Wanda and Nicole. He graduated from Hillside High School in 1976.
His father, Donald M. Payne, was a very important person in New Jersey politics. He was the first African-American to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Congress. He served from 1989 until his death in 2012. Donald Payne Jr.'s mother, Hazel Payne, passed away when he was only five years old.
Even as a teenager, Donald Payne Jr. was interested in helping his community. He started and led the Newark South Ward Junior Democrats. He studied graphic arts at Kean University. He also advised young people in the YMCA Youth in Government program. This program teaches students about how government works.
Before becoming a full-time politician, Payne worked for the New Jersey Highway Authority. Later, he worked for the Essex County Educational Services Commission. There, he was in charge of student transportation.
Serving Newark City Council
Donald Payne Jr. was a member of the Municipal Council of Newark. This is like the local government for the city of Newark. He served on the council from 2006 to 2012. In 2010, he was re-elected to this position.
As a city councilman, he supported important issues. These included stem cell research, which helps scientists study diseases. He also supported funding for Medicaid, a health program for people who need help. Education funding in New Jersey was another key area he focused on.
In July 2010, his fellow council members chose him to be the president of the Newark City Council. This meant he led the meetings and helped guide the council's work. He also served on committees related to Health, Education, and Recreation.
Essex County Board of Freeholders
Before his time on the city council, Donald Payne Jr. was elected to the Essex County Board of Freeholders in 2005. This board helps manage the government for Essex County, New Jersey. He was elected to an "at-large" seat, meaning he represented the entire county.
He was re-elected to the Board of Freeholders two more times, in 2008 and 2011. He served on this board until November 2012.
U.S. House of Representatives
Becoming a U.S. Representative
After his father, Donald M. Payne, passed away in March 2012, a special election was held. This election was to choose someone to finish his father's term in Congress. Donald Payne Jr. decided to run for this special election. He also ran for the regular election for the next full two-year term. Both elections had their first round (called primaries) on June 5, 2012. The main elections were on November 6, 2012.
Many people supported Donald Payne Jr. in his campaign. Even the leader of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, endorsed him. He won the Democratic primary elections with a large number of votes. Because his district usually votes for Democrats, winning the primary meant he was very likely to win the main election.
In the November 6, 2012, general election, Donald Payne Jr. won against his Republican opponent. He received 87% of the votes. He also ran unopposed in the special election to finish his father's term. He became only the fourth person to represent this district since 1929.
His Work in Congress
Donald Payne Jr. officially started his work in Congress on November 15, 2012. He worked on many important issues for the people of New Jersey and the country.
He helped create new laws. For example, he supported the Violence Against Women Act. This law helps protect women from violence. He also supported the Paycheck Fairness Act. This bill aimed to make sure people get paid fairly, no matter their gender.
After Hurricane Sandy caused a lot of damage, Payne helped get money for victims. He supported a bill that provided over $30 billion from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This money helped people who lost their homes or businesses.
In 2014, he introduced a bill called the Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act. This bill aimed to improve how different parts of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) talk to each other. This is important for keeping the country safe.
He often voted with President Joe Biden on important issues.
Committees and Groups
In Congress, members join different committees and groups to focus on specific topics. Donald Payne Jr. was part of several important committees:
- Committee on Homeland Security: This committee works on keeping the country safe from threats.
- Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology
- Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: This committee deals with roads, bridges, airports, and other important structures.
- Subcommittee on Aviation
- Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials
He was also a member of several caucuses (groups of members who share common interests):
- Congressional Black Caucus: A group of African-American members of Congress.
- Congressional Caucus on Sudan and South Sudan
- Congressional Small Business Caucus
- Ports, Opportunity, Renewable, Trade, and Security (PORTS) Caucus
- Congressional Arts Caucus
- United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus
- Blue Collar Caucus
Personal Life and Passing
Donald Payne Jr. lived in Newark with his wife, Beatrice, and their three children.
In April 2024, he was hospitalized after a serious health event. He passed away on April 24, 2024, at the age of 65.
See also
- List of African-American United States representatives
- List of United States Congress members who died in office (2000–)
