Congressman Payne Files Nearly 10,000 Nominating Petitions

Massive Numbers Show Deep Grassroots Support Heading Into Primary

NEWARK, NJ – In a massive showing of grassroots support and organizational strength, U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., (D-Newark) filed neary 10,000 signed nominating petitions from Democrats in the 10th Congressional District. The total is the most of any federal candidate in the upcoming primary and is greater than 10 times more than either of his opponents submitted. In total, Payne for Congress filed 9,933 petitions.

“This massive showing of support could not have happened without the volunteers, labor unions, campaign team members and grassroots supporters from throughout Essex, Hudson and Union counties who are powering our campaign,” said Congressman Payne. “I especially want to thank the many women of color on our team who took time out of their busy lives during the cold winter months to engage with their neighbors and help get nearly 10,000 people involved in this campaign and in our democracy. This is how we build lasting political power for the people of the 10th district, and I’m honored to represent this campaign.”

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,  Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, 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.