U.S. Senators Cory Booker & Bob Menendez Endorse Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.

Statewide Leaders Join Growing Chorus of Progressive Labor Unions in Supporting Democratic Congressman 

NEWARK, NJ – U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) are both endorsing Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., (D-Newark) in the upcoming Democratic Primary election in the 10th Congressional District. The support from New Jersey’s two statewide federal elected officials adds to the significant backing Congressman Payne has received from some of the state’s leading progressive labor organizations.

“Donald Payne, Jr., and I worked hand in hand to bring an economic renaissance to the City of Newark when we both served there, and now we’re partners in Washington fighting for policy solutions to uplift New Jersey’s working families,” said Senator Booker, who served as Mayor of Newark while Congressman Payne was City Council President. “There is no one better in touch with the needs of the residents in Essex, Hudson and Union counties than Congressman Payne. I’m ecstatic to support my friend and colleague Congressman Donald Payne for re-election.”

“I served for many years in the House of Representatives with Congressman Payne’s father Donald M. Payne, Sr., and it gives me tremendous pride to watch his son follow in his footsteps as a champion for working people in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District,” said Senator Menendez. “Congressman Payne has developed into one of the foremost leaders in our congressional delegation and someone his constituents can always count on to deliver the leadership they need. I whole-heartedly endorse Congressman Payne and look forward to continuing to collaborate with him to do the people’s work.”

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by the New Jersey Education Association, the Communications Workers of America NJ and the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association.

“I am grateful and humbled to have the support of our United States Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker,” said Congressman Payne. “Working together, we will continue to fight for the issues that matter most: quality and affordable healthcare, well-funded public schools, and rebuilding our infrastructure and economy. This endorsement is a recognition of our delegation’s work representing the people and a vote of confidence from two of the most important leaders in our Democratic Party.”

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.