NEWARK, NJ – Fresh off of a strong showing winning a contested re-election race and sweeping local Council seats, Hillside Mayor Dahlia Vertreese is endorsing U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., (D-Newark). Mayor Vertreese is one of the only Black woman mayors in the state and her endorsement adds to the Congressman’s overwhelming support among African American leaders.

“Congressman Payne has stood beside me since day one and his support was instrumental to our team winning re-election last year,” said Mayor Vertreese. “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.”

Hillside is the home of Congressman Payne’s Union County district office and he has worked hard to bring federal resources to the community to support important priorities while reducing the burden on local taxpayers. He delivered over $15 million in federal grants to the community in 2021 via the New Jersey State Department of Transportation, helping to support critical infrastructure projects like road improvements, bridge reconstruction and traffic signaling enhancements on Route 22.

“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,” said Congressman Payne. “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.”

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund, New Jersey Education Association, the Communications Workers of America NJ, Laborers’ International North America Eastern Region, the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association and AFSCME NJ. He also recently announced the support of U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker as well as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.