New Jersey Democratic Rep. Donald Payne Jr. died at 65

Rep. Donald Payne Jr., D-N.J., died aged 65 after being hospitalized for weeks after a "cardiac episode" in early April.

On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy said he and his wife are "deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our friend" and "steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey."

Payne was hospitalized earlier this month after “a cardiac episode based on complications from his diabetes,” his office stated.

Since November 2012, he represented New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, which includes Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. Payne replaced his father, Rep. Donald M. Payne, who died in office.

Following Payne's death and the resignation of Republican Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, Democrats will have 212 members in the House, while Republicans will have 217.