U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), the head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and one of the most influential progressive lawmakers in Washington, announced this morning that she is endorsing Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (D-Newark) for re-election.
“Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. is an effective leader who cares deeply about the working families of New Jersey,” Jayapal said. “As a sponsor of Medicare for All, the College for All Act of 2022, and the Climate Resilience Workforce Act, Congressman Payne has been an incredible ally on Capitol Hill.”
Payne, a former Newark City Council speaker who succeeded his late father in 2012, is not a member of the CPC, which represents the most left-leaning faction of House Democrats.
In this year’s Democratic primary, Payne faces Imani Oakley, who has attempted to outflank the congressman from the left. Thus far, Payne has received the backing of nearly all local Democrats, including Gov. Phil Murphy and both of New Jersey’s U.S. senators, while Oakley has struggled to gain endorsements.
Payne also outraised Oakley $224,646 to $121,158 in the fourth quarter, though Oakley’s showing was more substantial than any other New Jersey candidate challenging an incumbent in a primary. The first quarter of 2022 ended yesterday, and candidates will have until April 15 to release those reports to the public.
A third candidate, sociology professor Akil Khalfani, is also running, but he does not appear to be mounting a significant campaign. Whoever wins the primary will have little trouble winning the general election in the Newark-based district, the most Democratic in the state.