(TheProudRepublic.com) – Just over a month after he died at 65 from a heart attack, Representative Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ) won the Democratic primary in New Jersey.
The late congressman was the only House candidate for the 10th Congressional District on the primary ballot, although voters had the option to write in another candidate.
Carmen Bucco won the Republican primary, but he is considered a long shot in the predominantly blue district.
According to the New Jersey Globe report, Democratic Party County officials are expected to hold a convention before August to choose a new nominee for the November election after the primary results are certified on June 17.
The report also mentioned that a special election to fill the rest of Payne’s term is in progress.
A primary for that election is set for July 16, with the general election following on September 18. At least a dozen candidates, including 11 Democrats and Bucco, are running in that race.
Payne, who served six terms in Congress, had a heart attack on April 6 and was hospitalized. He later died while running for another two-year term in the House, and his name had already been printed on the primary ballots before his death.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) posted on X, “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.”
“Our prayers are offered today for his family and friends, and especially his wife, Bea, and their three children,” he added.
According to Payne’s congressional website, “the employees of the former Representative continue to staff the offices of the congressional district under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives” in the meantime.
The House now has 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats.
Besides Payne’s seat, three other vacancies remain after Representatives Bill Johnson (R-OH), Ken Buck (R-CO), and Mike Gallagher (R-WI) resigned recently.
This week, Vince Fong was sworn in as a GOP lawmaker to replace former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
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