12 times lawmakers were replaced by their relatives in Congress

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter
Monday, August 03, 2026

9. Former Rep. Donald Payne Jr., D-N.J.

Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., died in 2012 from colon cancer complications at age 77.

His son, Donald Payne Jr., won a special election to finish his term, which was held concurrently with that year's general election.

Payne Jr. was reelected in the years that followed. Like his father, Payne Jr. died in office, in 2024. He was 65. Democrat LaMonica McIver won a special election in September 2024 to replace Payne Jr.

Ryan Foley is a reporter for The Christian Post. He can be reached at: ryan.foley@christianpost.com

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