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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed Executive Order No. 357, directing U.S. and New Jersey flags to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday and Thursday in honor of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., who passed away at the age of 65 on April 24. Congressman Payne is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and their three children, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne.
Born and raised in Newark, Congressman Payne had been serving as the U.S Representative for New Jersey's 10th Congressional District since 2012. Governor Murphy praised Payne's legacy, stating, 'Congressman Payne leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership and principled public service. Following in his father's footsteps, the Congressman was a champion for working families all across the Garden State. During his many years of service to New Jersey, he tirelessly advocated for public health, safety, and infrastructure, and with each legislative victory, he improved the lives of millions of Americans.'
The Governor and his wife, Tammy, expressed their condolences to Payne's family and all who knew and loved the Congressman.