Donald Payne, Jr., son of late Congressman, wins 10th district seat

History repeats itself in the 10th Congressional District. Newark Council President and Essex County Freeholder Donald Payne, Jr. beat out five other candidates to get his name on November’s ballot. However, the victory was bittersweet for the Payne family.

The late Donald Payne, who served in Congress for almost 25 years, died suddenly last March of colon cancer.  “Well, I wouldn’t even kid you to think that I could fill those shoes. But, I’m standing on his shoulders,” said Payne, Jr. “I understand what he wanted for this community. I understand what he wanted for this state. I understand what he wanted for this world. So, no one — no one better than I can continue to do the work that the late Congressman Donald Payne did for everyone.”Payne, Jr. was also the winner of a special election to fill the unexpired term of his father.