Deceased Congressman Secures Victory in Democratic Primary

In an unusual turn of events, Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ) won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District on Tuesday, despite passing away a little over a month ago at the age of 65 following a heart attack.

Payne was listed as the sole Democratic candidate for the House seat on the primary ballot, though voters had the option to submit a write-in candidate. On the Republican side, Carmen Bucco won the primary but is considered a long shot in this predominantly blue district.

County officials from the Democratic Party are expected to hold a convention before August to select a new nominee for the November general election, once the primary results are certified on June 17, according to the New Jersey Globe. Additionally, a special election is underway to determine who will serve the remainder of Payne’s term, with a primary set for July 16 and a general election on September 18. At least a dozen candidates, including 11 Democrats and Bucco, are competing in that race.

Payne, a six-term congressman, suffered a heart attack on April 6 and was subsequently hospitalized. His death was announced on April 24, after his name had already been printed on the primary ballots for his reelection bid.

“We are saddened to be informed of the passing today of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., who had been serving New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District since 2012, and who succeeded his father in the same position,” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said in a post on X. “Our prayers are offered today for his family and friends, and especially his wife, Bea, and their three children.”

In the interim, Payne’s congressional office continues to operate under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. The office’s website states that “the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district,” and constituents are invited to contact the interim office for information and assistance.

Currently, the House of Representatives comprises 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats. Besides Payne’s seat, three other vacancies have emerged following the recent resignations of Reps. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Ken Buck (R-CO), and Mike Gallagher (R-WI). Vince Fong was recently sworn in as a GOP lawmaker to replace former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).

The upcoming special election and the selection of a new Democratic nominee will be critical in shaping the future representation of New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District. As the political landscape continues to shift, the importance of these decisions will resonate with constituents and party officials alike.

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