Former Rep. Payne’s son to run for his seat

by Josh Lederman - 03/19/12 3:37 PM ET

The son of former Rep. Donald Payne (D-N.J.) will run for his father’s seat in the House.

{mosads}Donald Payne Jr., the president of the Newark, N.J., City Council, said Monday he felt an obligation to continue the legacy of his father, who died in office on March 6 after serving for more than two decades.

“This was quite a sudden shock for the family,” Payne told The Hill. “Just going through the process and looking at the work that the congressman didn’t finish, I thought as his son, I was in the best position to continue what he had done for the 10th congressional district over the years.”

Payne’s entry into the race brings the number of declared Democratic candidates to three. Another Newark City Councilman, Ron Rice Jr., will also run, his aide told The Hill on Friday. State Sen. Nia Gill (D) has also announced plans to run.

Payne’s decision has implications for mayoral politics in Newark, where he had been expected to run if and when Mayor Cory Booker (D) pursues a race for senator or governor.