Credit: (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. died on Wednesday at the age of 65. The Democrat spent more than a decade in Congress, representing Newark and surrounding communities. He first won the office in 2013, in a special election to succeed his late father Donald Payne Sr. in the 10th Congressional District.

“With his signature bowtie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service … It was my great honor to work side-by-side with Donald to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey, and we will hold his memory close to our hearts as we build upon the Payne family’s deep legacy of service in advocating for the communities they served so dearly,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement Wednesday.

Payne Jr.’s tenure in Congress was highlighted by his efforts to lower prescription drug costs, his advocacy for cancer prevention and screening, and his introduction of the TEST for Lead Act, which aimed to protect children from lead-tainted water.

Before his time on Capitol Hill, Payne Jr. was president of the city council in Newark and an Essex County Freeholder. He suffered a cardiac episode on April 6 and remained unconscious and hospitalized at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in the weeks since.