OPINION
Firstly, I want to express my deepest respect and admiration for Donald Payne Jr. His dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to the people of New Jersey have left an indelible mark on our state’s history. He advocated for the Affordable Care Act, the Raise the Wage Act, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and the End Racial Profiling Act. He also sponsored bills to address the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and the protection of human rights defenders around the world. He was a leader in the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus.
He carried forward the legacy of his father, Congressman Donald M. Payne Sr., who was the first African American to represent New Jersey in Congress. Their combined efforts have been instrumental in advancing the rights and interests of Black people in our state. My father regarded Congressman Donald M. Payne Sr., as a mentor. He was deeply saddened by his passing in 2012 and honored by his son’s decision to run for his seat.
The seat that Donald Payne Jr. held is not just a position of power, but a symbol of hope and progress for Black people in New Jersey. It represents our voice in the political landscape, our fight for equality, and our aspiration for a better future. It is a testament to how far we have come and a reminder of the journey that still lies ahead.
The 10th congressional district is one of the most diverse and vibrant in the state. It encompasses parts of Essex, Hudson, and Union counties, including Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, and Hillside. It is home to more than 700,000 people, of whom more than 60% are Black or Latino. It is a district that faces many challenges, such as poverty, inequality, violence, and environmental injustice. It is also a district that has a rich history, a strong culture, and a resilient spirit. It is a district that deserves a voice of its own.
That is why I urge Governor Phil Murphy to call for a special election to fill the vacant seat of Congressman Payne Jr. as soon as possible. According to the law, the governor has the authority to decide whether to hold a special election or to wait until the next general election in November 2024.
I respectfully call on the governor to choose the option of a special election. A special election is not only the right thing to do, but also the democratic thing to do. It is the only way to ensure that the people of the 10th congressional district have a say in who represents them in Washington, D.C. for the remainder of the term. It is the only way to prevent the seat from being decided by a few power brokers in back rooms, who may have their own agendas and interests. This is how Donald Payne Jr. won his seat. It is the only way to honor the legacy of Congressman Payne Jr. and his father, who fought for the empowerment of the people, especially the Black community, which has historically been marginalized and disenfranchised.
I appeal to Governor Murphy to listen to the voice of the people, and to let the people decide who will fill the seat of Congressman Payne Jr. I appeal to the people of the 10th Congressional District to demand a special election, and to exercise their right to vote. I appeal to the candidates who aspire to run for the seat to respect the will of the people, and to run a fair and respectful campaign. I appeal to the media, the civil society, and the faith community to inform and educate the public about the importance and the process of a special election.
A special election for Donald Payne Jr.’s seat is a matter of racial justice. It is a matter of democracy. It is a matter of honoring his legacy and continuing his work.
Rev. Charles F. Boyer is the co-founder Salvation and Social Justice and the pastor of the Greater Mount Zion AME Church in Trenton.
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