Chiaravalloti ready to back Payne re-election

Assemblyman Nicholas Chiaravalloti (D-Bayonne) is ready to back Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) for another term.

“If Congressman Payne’s running, I’m going to be supporting him,” he said.  “I think Congressman Payne’s done a great job representing the district. Speaking strictly from Bayonne’s perspective, the congressman has always been there when we need him, even though he doesn’t represent a majority of the town and has been a good friend.”

Payne faces progressive challengers running to his left.

John Flora, a Jersey City teacher and Grammy nominated musician, and Stephen Green, a pastor at Heard AME Church in Roselle, are vying to take out the incumbent in the safely-Democratic district.

They won’t get Chiaravalloti’s support in the primary.

“I’m hoping that he and congressman sires are both running and both continue to serve Hudson county,” the assemblyman said.

Payne was elected in 2012, following the death of his father, 12-term Rep. Donald Payne, Sr. (D-Newark).

In the Democratic primary for the open seat that year, then-Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith endorsed State Sen. Nia Gill (D-Montclair).

Two years later, Smith was defeated for re-election by Jimmy Davis, who backed Chiaravalloti for the Assembly.