Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is backing U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. for re-election in the 10th Congressional District, stating that he’s “spent his career fighting for Newark residents.”
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Payne and Baraka both grew up and continue to live in the South Ward of Newark and also served together on the city council.
“Congressman Payne was born in Newark, raised in Newark, and has spent his career fighting for Newark residents – nobody understands our community the way he does,” Baraka said in a statement.
“When we faced a public health crisis with thousands of lead pipes that had to be removed to protect our residents, Congressman Payne stepped up immediately with federal funding to get the project started. That’s the kind of leadership we need from our representatives in Washington, and it’s why I’m proud to stand with Congressman Payne.”
To that end, Payne helped successfully petition FEMA to open a federal COVID-19 vaccine site in Newark, while approving the American Rescue Plan provided cash assistance to residents and businesses during the pandemic.
“The City of Newark is incredibly fortunate to have a leader like Mayor Baraka at the helm, because he’s fully committed to both revitalizing the community and protecting what makes it such a truly unique and special place,” added Payne.
“There’s nowhere else I would want to live than the South Ward of Newark, and no one I would rather have at my side than Mayor Baraka. I thank him for his support and look forward to supporting him and his team in their own election in May.”
In the past month or so, Payne has secured endorsements from the likes of the New Jersey Education Association, the Communication Workers of America, as well as U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) ahead of the June 7th primary.
