Jersey City teacher John Flora has announced that he’ll challenge U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. in 2020, with his campaign focused on the Green New Deal, Medicare for all, gun reform and universal pre-K.
In his first campaign ad (embedded above), Flora takes aim at the incumbent for his attendance record in Washington, D.C., also targeting former House Judiciary Committee Chairman Peter W. Rodino, Jr.
Payne, Jr., a five-term Democrat first elected shortly after his father died in 2012, has previously acknowledged missing some House votes due to lingering health issues.
Flora argues that it’s time for a fresh face in the 10th congressional district, since Payne, Jr., his father and Rodino have been the only representation constituents have had for the past 70 years.
A music teacher who has been nominated for a Grammy, will likely not be the only Democrat to challenge Payne in the June 2020 primary.
Head AME Church Pastor Stephen Green has formed an exploratory committee and Rutgers Law Professor Eugene Mazo has also expressed an interest in running, as NJ Globe has reported.
Payne’s office did not immediately return an email seeking comment regarding Flora’s candidacy.
