By David Cruz

Confirming what had been a long-anticipated announcement, Newark Councilman Ron Rice, Jr. made it official this week. He will oppose incumbent 10th District Rep. Donald Payne in the June Democratic primary.

Rice, 41, a councilman representing Newark’s West Ward, and Payne, 77, who is in his 12th term in Congress, are long-established political names in Newark. Payne’s son is Rice’s city council colleague and Rice’s father is a state senator and former councilman.

“This is not personal,” said Rice, who acknowledged Payne’s service to Newark over two generations, “but it’s time for new blood and a new way to look at the problems faced by our community.”

Rice’s announcement could expose some divisions in the Newark political establishment, pitting long-entrenched factions against a new generation of leaders. The 10th legislative district, which includes parts of Essex, Union and Hudson counties, added the township of South Orange after the recent redistricting. Rice is expected to make a run at the more suburban voters, which could be a key to the primary race.

Payne is the first African-American congressman from New Jersey and serves on the Congressional Education & Labor and Foreign Affairs committees. He is also head of the legislative Black Caucus Foundation, all roles which he says bring benefits to the 10th district, and seniority, which would be lost, were he to be replaced.

Related Video:

[youtube src=”ipq6qHTkJbU”]