Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. has spent his career fighting for New Jersey’s working families.
Focusing on quality schools, affordable healthcare, and an economy that works for everyone, not just a lucky few. Born and raised in Newark’s South Ward, he’s lived on the same street his entire life.
Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. has spent his career fighting for New Jersey’s working families.
Focusing on quality schools, affordable healthcare, and an economy that works for everyone, not just a lucky few. Born and raised in Newark’s South Ward, he’s lived on the same street his entire life.
Congressman Payne 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. Since then he has distinguished himself in Congress as an advocate for everyday people in his district by providing exemplary constituent service, supporting legislation to help lift them into the middle class, and providing funding for key local priorities like building new public schools and housing, removing lead pipes from homes in low income neighborhoods, hiring more police officers to keep residents safe and much more. Prior to his election to Congress, Rep. Payne served as Newark City Council President and as an Essex County Freeholder.
Congressman Payne is a former union member and has an immense respect for the dignity of work and the value of organized labor. Before embarking on a career in public service, Congressman Payne was a member of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers and United Auto Workers District 65 unions. The congressman comes from a blue-collar background and previously worked for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority as a toll collector. These experiences give him a unique perspective on the struggles that working class families face.
He is a distinguished leader in the House of Representatives and leads committees on Disaster Preparedness and Rail. He co-wrote the House version of President Biden’s bi-partisan infrastructure plan and has supported critical progressive legislation like Build Back Better, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. He also fought to make sure New Jersey was included in the American Rescue Plan which delivered $1,400 stimulus checks, increased unemployment assistance by $300, and increased the Child Tax Credit.
