By Michelle Sartor

New Jersey’s first black congressman has died. Donald M. Payne, a representative of the 10th congressional district, died Tuesday morning at the age of 77. He had announced last month that he was battling colon cancer.

Officials who knew Payne remembered him, his work and his historical significance.

“Today is a truly sad day for America and our great state. We have lost a trailblazer, and we have lost a friend,” Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver said in a statement. “I have known Donald Payne for most of my life. He has always been a role model to me, and I will never forget his historic victory that made him New Jersey’s first African-American elected to Congress. His dedication to his constituent and all Americans was unwavering. He was a leader in every sense of the word.”

Gov. Chris Christie also released a statement regarding Payne’s passing. He plans to sign an order to lower the flags to half staff to honor the late congressman. “Mary Pat and I offer our condolences to the Payne family on the loss of Congressman Payne. He was a leader with great compassion for every person he had the honor of representing,” Christie’s statement read. “He was a great role model for every person in New Jersey who aspires to public service. He was a true gentlemen and we considered him a friend.”

Newark Mayor Cory Booker tweeted Tuesday morning, “We mourn the loss of our home grown hero and Champion. RIP Congressman Donald Payne.”

Payne was first elected to Congress in 1988 and won his 12th term in 2010. He was serving on the education and foreign affairs committees in the House at the time of his death.

NJToday will have more onthis sotry tonight at 6, 7:30 and 11 p.m.

Payne’s son, Donald M. Payne Jr., is a councilman in Newark.