Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi today announced her support for Congressional District 10 candidate Donald Payne Jr.

"I support Donald Payne Jr. because he'll hit the ground running in Washington, bringing skills at creating jobs from his years as Newark's Council President.  We need Donald Payne Jr. in Washington fighting for jobs and the middle class," said Pelosi in an endorsement statement. "We can rely on him to fight the Tea Party and stand up for working families, seniors, and women's rights."

Payne is running in the June 5 Democratic Primary. 

"I thank Leader Pelosi for her support. I look forward to helping restore her to her rightful place as Speaker of the House," Payne said. "Her support speaks volumes of the relationships I'll begin with in Washington. On Day 1, I'll start fighting and delivering for the 10^th district. I'll fight to bring back jobs for our teachers, infrastructure jobs for our workers, and investment and incentives for our high tech and green tech businesses. I will make a real impact on our local economy."

Pelosi joins a list of elected officials endorsing Payne that includes U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, Union Mayor Brian Stack, and councilpeople from Jersey City, Linden, Rahway, and East Orange.