Donald Payne, Jr. has spent his career fighting for New Jersey’s working families. Focusing on quality schools, affordable healthcare, and an economy that works for everyone, not just a lucky few. Born and raised in Newark’s South Ward, he’s lived on the same street his entire life.
Payne is a former union member and has an immense respect for the dignity of work and the value of organized labor. Before embarking on a career in public service, Congressman Payne was a member of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers and United Auto Workers District 65 unions. The congressman comes from a blue-collar background and previously worked for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority as a toll collector. These experiences give him a unique perspective on the struggles that working class families face.