House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has endorsed U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., (D-10), releasing a video showcasing her support that was played at last night’s inaugural “Women for Payne” fundraising event. Speaker Pelosi praised Congressman Payne’s leadership on critical issues like job creation, public safety and health care.

“I’m proud to endorse Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., because he’s a proven champion for working families and a leader his district can count on,” said Speaker Pelosi in the endorsement video. “Congressman Payne co-wrote the House version of President Biden’s Infrastructure bill, landmark legislation that will help create over 400,000 jobs in New Jersey, and he’s been a leader in expanding access to affordable health care. I’m glad to call Donald Payne, Jr., not just a colleague, but a friend.”

Headlined by First Lady Tammy Murphy and Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, the campaign’s “Women for Payne” event was held last night at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark and was attended by hundreds of guests who were there to show their strong support for Congressman Payne. The Payne campaign will be hosting additional events through “Women for Payne” and will work to connect with female Democratic voters from throughout the 10th District over the coming weeks.

“Nancy Pelosi is a true icon and someone who has accomplished more than any other House Speaker before her, so earning her support today is incredibly humbling,” said Payne. “I’m proud to have stood with Speaker Pelosi to deliver real progress for working families, like passing the Infrastructure bill I co-wrote to create quality middle class jobs and provide more economic opportunities for New Jersey residents. I thank Speaker Pelosi for her gracious support and look forward to continuing to work with her to get the job done for the American people.”

Other attendees at the Women for Payne event included State Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, Assembly Budget Chair Eleana Pintor-Marin, Hudson County Democratic Chair Amy DeGise, Newark Central Ward Councilwoman LaMonica McIver, Hillside Mayor Dahlia Vertreese, Assemblyman Rev. Reginald Atkins, Blue Wave NJ President Marcia Marley, former CWA State Director Hetty Rosenstein and many other leaders.

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund,  New Jersey Education Association, the Communications Workers of America NJ, Laborers’ International North America Eastern Region, the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association and AFSCME NJ. He also recently announced the support of U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker as well as Governor Phil Murphy, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.

About Congressman Payne:

A lifelong Newark resident, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., is a champion for working families, Democratic values and fighting to provide more opportunities for people in black and brown communities. He’s a devoted husband and father and a former union member with a blue collar background who has an immense respect for the dignity of work and the value of organized labor. A five-term Congressman, he was first elected in 2012 to succeed his late father, the legendary Rep. Donald Payne, Sr., who was the first Black Congressman in state history. Congressman Payne is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials in the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction over major infrastructure initiatives including the Gateway Project that are critical to New Jersey’s economy. Congressman Payne co-wrote the House version of President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure act and has supported critical progressive legislation like the Build Back Better plan, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the Equality Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and much more.