Biography:

Donald M. Payne was born in Newark, N.J., and resides there. He went to Baringer High School in Newark and received a bachelor's degree in social studies from Seton Hall University.

Payne taught at Southside High School, Robert Treat Junior High School, and Pulaski High School until 1964 when he went to work for the Prudential Insurance Co. as a training specialist. He became an executive with the company, remaining there until 1973.

He was elected an Essex County freeholder, serving 1972-78. He was vice president of Urban Data Systems, Inc., a minority-owned computer forms maker, 1974-88.

He was elected to the Newark council in 1982 and re-elected in 1986.

He was first elected to the U.S. House in 1988.

Payne is widowed and has three children.

Past Campaigns:

Donald Payne was elected to the U.S. House in 1988 with 86 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Michael Webb. He was re-elected in 1990 with 82 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Howard Berkeley. He was re-elected in 1992 with 77 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Alfred Palermo.

He defeated Republican Jim Ford in 1994 with 76 percent of the vote. He was re-elected in 1996 with 84 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Vanessa Williams.

In 1998, Payne was re-elected, defeating Republican Stan Wnuck with 83 percent of the vote. He was re-elected in 2000 with 87 percent of the vote. And in 2002, he won re-election with 84 percent of the vote.

Payne lost two bids for the House in 1980 and 1986 to Democratic incumbent Rep. Peter W. Rodino Jr. Payne was elected to the Newark city council in 1982 and served as Essex County freeholder.

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