U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., who represented New Jersey in the House of Representatives for six terms, has died at 65, Gov. Phil Murphy confirmed Wednesday.

Payne's death was first reported by the New Jersey Globe.

In a statement last week, Payne's office said he "uffered a cardiac episode based on complications from his diabetes" earlier in April. His cause of death was not immediately available.

"With his signature bowtie, big heart, and tenacisous spiri, Donald embodied the very best of public service," Murphy said in a statement. "As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles our working families face, and he found valiantly to serve their needs, every single day."

"Donald's love will live on in the homes of his neighbors in Newark, who now have access to safe drinking water, and in the good-payting jobs he helped create for his brothers and sisters in labor," Murphy added.

Payne was first elected in 2012 to replace his father, Rep. Donald M. Payne, who represented New Jersey in the House from 1989 until his death in March of that year. Payne won a special election to fill out the remainder of his late father's term, as well as the regular election to serve a full two-year term, on the same day in 2012.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Donald Payne Jr., a good friend, highly effective public servant and compassionate leader," House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., wrote on social media. "My prayers and support are with the Payne family and his loved ones during this difficult time. May he forever Rest in Peace."

"I am devastated to hear of the passing of my friend and colleague, Rep. Donald Payne," fellow progressive Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., posted on social media. "His work to invest in minority-owned businesses and build up our nation’s infrastructure were inspirational."

Prior to his time in Congress, Payne served as Newark City Council President and on the Essex County Board of Commissioners.

His death means Democrats' standing in the House drops to 212 members to Republicans' 217 giving Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., slightly more breathing room as his conference faces a spate of retirements -- including Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher, who officially retired on Wednesday.

"We are saddened to be informed of the passing today of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., who had been serving New Jersey's 10th Congressional District since 2012, and who succeeded his father in the same position," Johnson wrote in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "Our prayers are offered today for his family and friends, and especially his wife, Bea, and their three children."

Payne, who was running unopposed in the June 4 primary, will remain on the ballot posthumously and win, according to the Globe. Local Democratic county committe members will pick a replacement for the November general election by the end of the summer. To replace Payne in Washington in the meantime, Murphy will have to call a special primary election followed by a special general election to find a replacement to finish out Payne's term through the end of the year. The Democratic governor will likely be incentivized to call special elections sooner rather than later to help bolster the Democratic minority in the House.