Dead Congressman wins election in US despite passing away weeks ago

A congressman has won his nomination for reelection in New Jersey, the US, despite having died from a heart attack nearly two months ago.

Representative Donald Payne Jr. secured a staggering 99 percent of the vote in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District as he was the only candidate on the ballot.

He had represented the district since 2012, serving six straight terms before his death.

Payne Jr. was able to remain on the ballot because of rules that dictated that he could not be replaced as the candidate.

A primary vote will be held on July 16 to elect a new representative in his place.

This comes as the US prepares to go to the polls for the presidential election in November.

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The race for the seat will be hotly contested as nearly a dozen candidates throw their hat into the ring.

Among the contenders are Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver, Rutgers law professor Eugene Mazo, East Orange Councilwoman Brittany Claybrooks, and Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker.

The district is dominated by the Democrats with only one Republican voter for every six on the blue side.

The last time a Republican candidate won the seat was back in 1946.

In the last 20 years, every Democrat victor has secured more than 75 percent of the vote.

One Republican, Carmen Bucco, has entered the race for the New Jersey's 10th Congressional District.

Payne Jr followed in his father's footsteps by winning the seat. His dad held the same seat for 20 years and was the first black man to represent New Jersey in office.

During his career in politics, Payne Jr was a progressive who spoke out on issues such as reproductive rights, healthcare, and Medicaid.

He struggled with health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney failure.

After his heart attack, he was hospitalised and placed on a ventilator. He sadly passed away in April.