Payne gets backing from NJEA in re-election bid

The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the state’s politically potent teachers union, today announced its endorsement of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) for re-election to the 10th congressional district.

“Our union is proud to endorse Congressman Payne for re-election,” NJEA President and Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller said in a statement. “Throughout his time in office he has proven himself to be a champion for children, for working families and for the educators who make New Jersey’s public schools the best in the nation. At a time of growing inequality in so many areas of our society, we need leaders like Congressman Payne who are committed to justice and opportunity for all.”

The endorsement is far from a surprise, considering that Spiller was listed as one of the committee members of a labor fundraiser being held for Payne tomorrow.

Payne faces a Democratic primary against Imani Oakley, who is running a progressive campaign to unseat the five-term congressman. Since he was first elected in 2012, Payne has never received below 85% of the vote in a Democratic primary.