The Family of the Late Congressman Donald Payne Jr. Endorses Brendan Gill for Congress

Montclair, NJ — Today, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, announced the endorsement of the family of the late Congressman Donald Payne Jr., honoring his legacy of service and leadership on behalf of Essex County and communities across New Jersey.

Congressman Donald Payne Jr. was a trusted public servant who dedicated his career to fighting for working families, civil rights, environmental justice, and equitable opportunity. Before succeeding his father, the late Congressman Donald Payne Sr., in Congress, Payne Jr. built a strong record of local leadership in Essex County, serving on the Essex County Board of County Commissioners after working as a union member with the New Jersey Highway Authority and as Supervisor of Student Transportation for the Essex County Educational Services Commission. In these roles, he worked closely with local leaders to deliver real results for residents and developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing working families.

Before succeeding his father, the late Congressman Donald Payne Sr., in Congress, Payne Jr. served on the Essex County Board of County Commissioners, where he worked closely with local leaders to deliver results for residents.

“Brendan Gill served with my nephew, the late Congressman Don Payne Jr., on the Essex County Board of County Commissioners, before he went on to succeed his father in Congress,” said Former Assemblyman William D. Payne, Payne family patriarch. “They worked together and were successful on a number of issues during that time to benefit the residents of Essex County. I know that he was raised with the same family values that my brother Congressman Donald Payne Sr., and I raised our families on. That’s why we are endorsing Brenden for Congress in the 11th congressional district. I know that my nephew Don Jr. would do the same.”

“I am deeply honored to receive the support of the Payne family,” said Brendan Gill. “Congressman Donald Payne Jr. embodied public service rooted in integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to community. Serving alongside him on the Essex County Board of County Commissioners was an important chapter in my public service, and I want to be able to carry forward the values he lived by every day. I am grateful for the Payne family’s trust in this campaign.”

About Congressman Donald Payne Jr.

The late Congressman Donald Payne Jr. served the people of New Jersey with distinction, first on the Essex County Board of County Commissioners and later in the U.S. House of Representatives. Continuing a proud family legacy of public service, he was known for his advocacy on behalf of working families, civil rights, environmental protection, and social justice.

About Brendan Gill

Brendan Gill, an Essex County Commissioner and longtime civic leader, is running for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District with a focus on protecting fundamental rights, strengthening the middle class, improving transportation and infrastructure, and defending democratic institutions.

For more information, visit www.gillfornj.com