Hillside mayor endorses Payne for re-election

Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) has the backing of Hillside Mayor Dahlia Vertreese as he seeks renomination in the June 7 Democratic primary as the six-term congressman continues to sweep the endorsement game of elected officials in New Jersey’s 10th district.

Payne was among a small group of Democrats who supported Vertreese in her bid for a second term last year’ non-partisan municipal election,

“Congressman Payne has stood beside me since day one and his support was instrumental to our team winning re-election last year,” Vertreese stated.  “I’m proud to stand with Congressman Payne, who has been a champion for Hillside and helped us deliver for our residents by providing critical federal funding and assistance.”

In addition to Vertreese, Payne has won endorsements from the mayors of Newark, Jersey City and East Orange.

“Mayor Dahlia Vertreese is one of the most dedicated elected officials in our state and her victory last year showed that the people are behind her and see the progress she’s making in Hillside,” Payne said.  “As a young Black woman mayor, she represents a new generation of leaders who will shape the direction of our communities for years to come, and I’m proud to call her both a friend and one of our most cherished supporters in this election.”

Hillside is one of eight Union County municipalities in the 10th.

Payne faces a challenge in the Democratic primary from Akil Khalfani, a sociology professor at Essex County College, and mountebank vagabond Imani Oakley.