The New Jersey Working Families Party is supporting U.S. Rep. Donald Payne’s re-election in the 10th District, citing his “long indisputably progressive” record.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“NJWFP is proud to endorse Rep Payne. His record has long been indisputably progressive,” began New Jersey Working Families State Director Sue Altman in a statement.
“He is a co-sponsor of Medicare for All, was one of only two Members of Congress from NJ who were on the Green New Deal-derived, pro environment, pro labor Thrive Agenda, he was a major advocate behind the scenes in garnering support for Build Back Better (while other Democratic Congressmen from NJ were torpedoing it) and he is a vocal supporter of Reparations campaigns in NJ and was an original sponsor of H.R. 40, the Commission to Study and Develop Reparations. And his politics are personal.”
She continued that he has advocated for people with diabetes, a condition he suffers from, and added that he is a support of NJWFP’s “most core policies,” which is why their board voted unanimously to endorse him.
Payne’s main challenger in the June 7th primary, Imani Oakley, served as the legislative direct for NJWFP for a few months that spanned between 2019 and 2020.
On April 29th, she released her endorsement questionnaire and called on Payne to do the same.
“Because of my history with Working Families New Jersey, I believe that it is my responsibility to be fully transparent about my application for their endorsement, regardless of who they choose to endorse,” she said at the time.
” … Allowing our voters to see some of this process will help them make the best, most informed decision and gain some fresh perspective on the workings of political endorsements!”
Two of Oakley’s other former employers, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake (D-34), have also endorsed Payne, who has essentially run the table on labor support.
The New Jersey Education Association, Communication Workers of America NJ, AFSME NJ, among many others, are also supporting him for another two-year term.
“I am extremely grateful to receive the endorsement of the NJ Working Families Party. Their tireless work to elect candidates who will be true advocates for our communities is unparalleled,” Payne stated.
“I am committed to continuing to work alongside them in Washington to pass legislation to advance key progressive priorities such as protecting our environment, securing reproductive rights, and ensuring that our economy works for everyone and not just a select few.”
Oakley looks to unseat Payne in the June 7th primary along with fellow challenger Akil Khalfani.
