“We speak with great personal respect for the talented field of candidates running for the democratic nomination for Governor. All of them are friends of the family and honorable public servants with much to offer the state. Because we have very serious concerns about the policies coming out of the White House, we place an even greater importance on winning the Statehouse in November. We do not want to see the policies of the Trump administration brought home to New Jersey. We believe that Rep. Mikie Sherrill has a positive vision for New Jersey’s future and is the candidate most capable of winning the trust of a majority of the voters. We are proud to come together as a family to announce our support for Rep. Mikie Sherrill to be the next Governor of the state of New Jersey. She was a loyal and committed friend to Donald Jr. — they worked hard together to deliver funding for the Gateway Tunnel, the most consequential infrastructure project in the country, which will create thousands of jobs in New Jersey.  Mikie has persuaded us that she is committed to carrying the torch forward on the issues Donald Sr and Donald Jr fought for in the 10th Congressional District in the Halls of Congress,” said Bill Payne. 

“Donald Payne, Jr. was a dear friend, mentor, and an expert on transportation policy. We had so many important discussions about how to better deliver for New Jersey, but when he really lit up was when he talked about his family. I’m humbled and grateful to have their support in this campaign. The Paynes have dedicated their lives to public service, improving the City of Newark and the State of New Jersey — and I look forward to carrying those efforts as governor to tackle the structural barriers that hold kids and families back,” said Mikie Sherrill. 

Payne — a former member of the New Jersey Assembly, uncle of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr., and patriarch of the family — released the statement on behalf of the family. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. represented New Jersey’s 10th District in Congress from 2012 until he passed in 2024. Mikie and Payne, Jr. shared representation of Bloomfield, West Orange, and Montclair.

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