Political leaders are reacting to the death of Donald Payne, the first African-American to serve in the U.S. Congress from New Jersey. Payne died this week at age 77, after battling colon cancer.

The following statements have been released regarding his passing:

President Barack Obama:

Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. By any standard, Don lived a full and meaningful life. After serving as the first African American President of the National Council of YMCAs, and then several years in local government, Don went on to become the first African-American Congressman to represent the state of New Jersey. In Washington, he made it his mission to fight for working families, increase the minimum wage, ensure worker safety, guarantee affordable health care and improve the educational system. He was a leader in US-Africa policy, making enormous contributions towards helping restore democracy and human rights across the continent. Don will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland):

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and to his constituents.

“Don was truly a world renowned leader. I had the privilege to serve under his brilliant leadership as the Senior Democratic member of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Africa. I also had the honor to work very closely with him in the legislative process addressing the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and addressing the genocide in Darfur both through our efforts to obtain an official declaration and through divestment legislation that was signed into law. His dedication to global health issues and Africa saved and improved the lives of many and inspired all of those around him. Today, Congress lost its best teacher on Africa.

“Don was also committed to the underserved in our society, and I benefited greatly from his tremendous wisdom, insight and counsel. As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Don was a leader on education issues and fiercely dedicated to building stronger communities for our children. I will deeply miss Don, and believe that his legacy will inspire many to speak for the voiceless and stand up for justice across the globe.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement on the loss of Donald Payne:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and to his constituents.

“Don was truly a world renowned leader. I had the privilege to serve under his brilliant leadership as the Senior Democratic member of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Africa. I also had the honor to work very closely with him in the legislative process addressing the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and addressing the genocide in Darfur both through our efforts to obtain an official declaration and through divestment legislation that was signed into law. His dedication to global health issues and Africa saved and improved the lives of many and inspired all of those around him. Today, Congress lost its best teacher on Africa.

“Don was also committed to the underserved in our society, and I benefited greatly from his tremendous wisdom, insight and counsel. As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Don was a leader on education issues and fiercely dedicated to building stronger communities for our children. I will deeply miss Don, and believe that his legacy will inspire many to speak for the voiceless and stand up for justice across the globe.”

Congressman André Carson (D-IN) released today the following statement after the news of the passing of Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ):

I am deeply saddened to learn of Congressman Payne’s passing. Rep. Payne possessed an unwavering commitment and dedication to all those he served, devoting his entire professional life to the pursuit of justice and equality for his neighbors near and far.

The impact he has made on New Jersey, on this country, and on the global community is beyond measure. From his time as a public school teacher in Newark to his impassioned advocacy on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, he has been a trailblazer and icon.

Donald was a dear friend and mentor, and I will miss him greatly.

Rep. Gwen Moore Statement on the Passing of Congressman Donald M. Payne:

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Donald M. Payne (D-NJ).

“Today we mourn the loss of a man whose life was a true demonstration of public service. A champion for all, Don always showed great compassion for those less fortunate and dedicated his life to improving the lives of his fellow New Jerseyans and people throughout the world.

“I was honored and privileged to work with Don on a number of issues throughout the years. Don was not only a colleague, he was a mentor and friend who I lovingly called ‘The Professor’. A true statesman, with a heart of gold, I will miss his giving spirit and warm smile.

“I extend my sincere condolences to his family, staff and constituents during this trying time. May they find comfort in their deep and abiding faith during this time of loss.”

Congresswoman Wilson’s Statement on the Passing of Congressman Donald Payne:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Donald Payne:

“I am saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague Congressman Donald Payne. Throughout his adult life, he served the people of New Jersey as an educator, community leader and in Congress. As a long-serving member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Donald was a leader in supporting democracy in Africa and throughout the world, and I worked with him closely on issues impacting Haiti and the rest of the Caribbean. He was also committed to domestic issues and he was a leading advocate on the Education and Workforce Committee for reducing college costs for students.

“A trailblazer, Donald was the first black president of the National Council of YMCAs and the first black Congressman from New Jersey. As a colleague of his in the Congressional Black Caucus and on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I got to see first-hand his decency, empathy and leadership. My thoughts and prayers go out to Donald’s family.”