Congresswoman Val Demings Endorses Donald Payne

One of Nation’s Most Prominent Black Women Leaders Backs Democratic Congressman in Primary

NEWARK, NJ – U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., (D-Newark) is announcing that his campaign has been endorsed by Congresswoman Val Demings (D-FL). In making her endorsement, Congresswoman Demings cited Congressman Payne’s record of delivering federal funds for local law enforcement to keep residents of Essex, Hudson and Union counties safe, as well as his effective leadership in Washington. Congresswoman Demings is currently challenging Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and has drawn significant national support in her campaign.

“Congressman Donald Payne has proven himself to be a true champion for working people in his district,” said Congresswoman Demings. “His commitment to public safety is unparalleled, having delivered millions of dollars to New Jersey municipalities to hire diverse police officers, purchase body cameras, and replace lead pipes. We need more people like Donald Payne in the House of Representatives and I am excited to endorse him for reelection.”

Congressman Payne has been a consistent supporter of law enforcement in his district, and has prioritized securing federal funding for new officers and advocating for an effective and accountable public safety system that truly serves every member of his community. He has backed accountability measures to ensure that there is trust and understanding between the police and the people they serve, including supporting funding for body cameras and voting for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

“It’s an honor to be endorsed by my friend and fellow representative Congresswoman Val Demings,” said Congressman Payne. “Congresswoman Demings is a true fighter for her district and now the nation is learning what I’ve known since I met her — that she’s a leader and a star in our Democratic Party. A black woman, a former police chief, an artful legislator, Congresswoman Demings is an inspiration to so many and proof that our party has the ability to do what’s necessary to keep people safe while also fighting to ensure the equal treatment under the law that is necessary for the pursuit of social justice.”

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Congresswoman Jayapal, 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.

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