LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass today issued the following statement:
“It was with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of my colleague and friend, U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. Throughout his career of public service and work in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Payne Jr. was a relentless champion for the people of New Jersey and Americans across the country. I had the honor and privilege of working with him as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, as well as his father, the late U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne. Congressman Payne Jr. continued his father’s love and concern for the more than 50 countries of Africa and worked to build coalitions and support economic growth across the continent. My condolences go out to Congressman Payne Jr.’s family, friends, colleagues for this loss to our nation.”