For Immediate Release: 5/26/22

Congressman Payne Announces Endorsement from Eastern States Regional Carpenters Union

Another Major Labor Endorsement for Democratic Candidate

NEWARK, NJ – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) is announcing that his campaign has received the endorsement of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, citing his commitment to improving New Jersey’s infrastructure, and creating high paying jobs.

“Congressman Donald Payne has proven to be an incredibly effective leader for his district,” said Anthony Abrantes, Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which he co authored, will deliver billions of dollars to New Jersey communities to make vital improvements to our state’s infrastructure, and create 400,000 high paying jobs for New Jersey workers and our members. We need leaders like Congressman Payne fighting for our state, and I am proud to be endorsing him for reelection.”

Congressman Payne co-authored the House version of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill which was signed into law, allocating billions of dollars in federal funding to fix roads, bridges, and transportation systems across the country as well as investments in climate resilient infrastructure and green jobs.

“The Carpenters Union does exceptional work advocating for collective bargaining and labor rights for its members at all levels of government, and I am grateful to receive their endorsement,” said Congressman Payne. “Recently, we have seen many exciting and important labor victories in New Jersey, and it is a testament to the power that workers have when they come together and fight for change that empowers all of us. I am committed to working with labor leaders such as the Carpenters to continue to improve our state’s infrastructure, and stand up for unions in Congress.”

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 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.