Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Endorses Fellow New Jersey Representative Donald Payne 

Congresswoman from New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District is Citing Payne’s Strong Progressive Record and Dedication to Expanding Healthcare Access

NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., (D-Newark) is announcing that his friend and fellow New Jersey Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) is endorsing his campaign. Congresswoman Watson Colman, who represents New Jersey’s 12th District, cited Congressman Payne’s strong progressive record and deep roots in his district.

“Congressman Payne is an effective and dedicated public servant and has been a friend of mine for a long time,” said Representative Watson Colman. “He has lived and worked in his district for his entire life, and his commitment to expanding healthcare access, creating good quality jobs, and championing accountability in law enforcement has been unstoppable. I am proud to offer Congressman Payne my wholehearted endorsement, and I look forward to continuing to work together to deliver for New Jersey.”

Congressman Payne wrote a bill that was signed into law expanding Medicaid to cover lifesaving cancer screenings like colonoscopies, and is an advocate for Medicare for All. He has also secured critical federal funding for affordable housing in his district, and increased funding for public safety to hire more diverse officers and increase accountability mechanisms through measures like body cameras and training programs.

“It’s an honor to be endorsed by my friend and ally in Congress, Rep. Bonnie Watson Colman,” said Congressman Payne. “Congresswoman Watson Coleman is part of a growing group of Black women leaders in Washington who are paving the way for generations to come. We have worked closely for years to deliver real progressive change for the people of New Jersey, and I am grateful to have her support.”

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, New Jersey Education Association, the Communications Workers of America NJ, Laborers’ International North America Eastern Region, the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association and AFSCME NJ. He also recently announced the support of U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker as well as Governor Phil Murphy, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.

About Congressman Payne: 

A lifelong Newark resident, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., is a champion for working families, Democratic values, and fighting to provide more opportunities for people in black and brown communities. He’s a devoted husband and father and a former union member with a blue collar background who has an immense respect for the dignity of work and the value of organized labor. A five-term Congressman, he was first elected in 2012 to succeed his late father, the legendary Rep. Donald Payne, Sr., who was the first Black Congressman in state history. Congressman Payne is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials in the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction over major infrastructure initiatives including the Gateway Project that are critical to New Jersey’s economy. Congressman Payne co-wrote the House version of President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure act and has supported critical progressive legislation like the Build Back Better plan, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the Equality Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and much more.

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