Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) issued the following statement on the death of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.:
“I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of my dear friend Donald Payne, Jr. Like myself, Don came from a family legacy of public service and we bonded over discussions of our trailblazing fathers.
“I cherish the ten years I had the honor of working with Don on issues important to us, such as access to child care, improved transportation, and fighting cancer. OI will especially remember our time on the Homeland Security Committee where we both chaired subcommittees dedicated to protecting vital infrastructure.
“I lived him like a brother and he would often call me his ‘sister-mother’ when I would hive him are hard time about one issue or another.
“Donald was a dapper dresser (always with the matching glasses), a true gentleman, and a total friend to me. Bill and I will pray for him, Beatrice, their children and family.”