U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. had a final quarter of 2021, raising $224,646 between October 1st and December 31st, $103,488 more than Democratic challenger Imani Oakley, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Payne also reported $399,522.83 cash on hand, compared to $103,349.88 for Oakley, their 4th quarter filings show. This marks a reversal of fortunes from the 3rd quarter, where Oakley outraised Payne 2-to-1.
“As a fighter for the people and a public servant I’ve always been more concerned with delivering results than about raising money, however, I’m grateful this strong fundraising quarter reflects the high level of support for our campaign,” Payne. said in a statement.
“I want to thank everyone who donated in this quarter and helped make this result possible. At this critical time, when there is so much work that must be done in Washington, the people of the 10th Congressional District need a representative with the experience to deliver the resources our communities need.”
While Oakley only raised $121,158 this quarter, she noted that came from 2,766 different donors, including every state and Washington, D.C., as well as that 90 percent of donors contributed less than $200.
She was also critical of Payne receiving nearly 70 percent of his big haul from super PACs (she accepted no PAC money) and not even one percent coming from grassroots donors.
“Payne Jr. continues to shamelessly serve corporate interests. Our communities want more than someone who pals around with Amazon, Raytheon, and ExxonMobil. That’s why people are giving their grassroots donations to the candidate who will actually fight for their interests,” she said in her own statement.
A third candidate in the race, Akil Khalfani, an Essex County College sociology professor, did not file a 4th quarter report as the June 7th primary race heats up.
