U.S. Congressman. A 1976 graduate of Hillsdale, New Jersey's Hillside High School, he went on to attend Kean State College. At the start of his career, Payne worked as a toll collector for the New Jersey Highway Authority and on the staff of the Essex County Educational Services Commission. A Democrat, he served on the Essex County Board of Freeholders from 2005 to 2012. He was a member of the Newark City Council from 2006 to 2012, and the council's president from 2010 to 2012. In 2012, he won the special election held to fill the U.S. House of Representatives seat left vacant by his father's death, and on the same day he won the election for a full term. He was reelected every two years through 2022, and served from November 6, 2012 until his death. Among Payne's accomplishments was a law that provided $55 billion for the replacement of lead pipes nationwide. Payne battled health problems for several years and suffered a heart attack on April 6, 2024. He did not recover, and remained on a ventilator until his death at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
U.S. Congressman. A 1976 graduate of Hillsdale, New Jersey's Hillside High School, he went on to attend Kean State College. At the start of his career, Payne worked as a toll collector for the New Jersey Highway Authority and on the staff of the Essex County Educational Services Commission. A Democrat, he served on the Essex County Board of Freeholders from 2005 to 2012. He was a member of the Newark City Council from 2006 to 2012, and the council's president from 2010 to 2012. In 2012, he won the special election held to fill the U.S. House of Representatives seat left vacant by his father's death, and on the same day he won the election for a full term. He was reelected every two years through 2022, and served from November 6, 2012 until his death. Among Payne's accomplishments was a law that provided $55 billion for the replacement of lead pipes nationwide. Payne battled health problems for several years and suffered a heart attack on April 6, 2024. He did not recover, and remained on a ventilator until his death at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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