A North Jersey congressman, Donald Payne Jr, has died after suffering a heart attack earlier this month.

Governor Phil Murphy and his wife Tammy issued a statement expressing sadness over the passing of their friend.

Payne represented the 10th legislative district covering Newark and surrounding areas in Essex, Hudson and Union Counties.

Payne was elected in 2012, replacing his father Donald Payne Sr who died. Payne Sr served since 1988 and was New Jersey’s first black congressman.

Payne Jr was running unopposed in the June primary. So far there’s been no announcement on who will replace him on the ballot.

📸: U.S. House of Representatives