New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies

Washington — Rep. Donald Payne Jr., a Democrat from New Jersey, has died at age 65, according to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. 

Payne had been hospitalized since early April after he suffered "a cardiac episode based on complications from his diabetes," his office said in a statement last week. It also said he was being treated at a local hospital. The statement followed a report from the New Jersey Globe that said Payne was unconscious and on a ventilator after a heart attack on April 6. 

"With his signature bowtie, big heart and tenacious spirt, Donald embodied the very best of public service," Murphy said in a statement Wednesday.