NEWARK, NJ — With her apparent special primary election victory on Tuesday evening, Newark native LaMonica McIver has catapulted to the front of the pack to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District.
Her next stop? The 2024 general election.
Local voters went to the polls for a special primary election this week. Residents of the district are currently without a voice in the U.S. House of Representatives following Payne’s death in April. See Related: Mourning Continues For NJ Congressman With ‘Big Heart’
Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The 10th District includes the following municipalities: Caldwell, East Orange, Essex Fells, Irvington, Montclair (part), Newark (part), Orange, Verona, West Orange in Essex County; Jersey City (part) in Hudson County; Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden (part), Roselle, Roselle Park, Union Township in Union County.
Tuesday’s primary election represents the first big milestone in the race to replace Payne. The winners and any independent candidates will face off again on Sept. 18 in the general election. The prize? Payne’s unexpired term in Congress – which runs out at the end of the year.
Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Carmen Bucco ran unopposed for the Republican nomination. On the flip side, a large field of candidates competed for the Democratic Party nod.
The Associated Press has called the race in favor of LaMonica McIver, although the results remain uncertified. Read More: NJ-10 Special Primary Election Results: McIver Wins Dem Race, AP Says
McIver became the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark Municipal Council in 2018. She now serves as the council’s president, helping to guide public policy in New Jersey’s largest city. Her current term ends on June 30, 2026.
McIver was one of the first candidates to throw their hats into the ring to replace Payne, praising his advocacy on issues such as health care, homeland security, gun control, infrastructure and women’s rights. See Related: Newark Councilwoman Runs To Succeed Late Congressman
Ballotpedia has polled McIver about her political platform and plans if elected. Read her replies here.
On the way to Tuesday’s primary election, McIver compiled a list of endorsements from some high-profile names, including Gov. Phil Murphy, who congratulated the council president on her apparent primary election win.
Murphy threw his support behind McIver after she took part in a candidate debate at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark earlier this month, calling her “a truly exceptional leader” with an impressive track record of service to her community.
“A proud product of the Newark Public School system, LaMonica deeply understands — and is fully prepared to address — the challenges facing her neighbors in North Jersey,” Murphy said. “As a member of Congress, she will be a strong voice for affordable housing, increased funding for public education, and making our nation’s health care system more accessible and equitable.”
The governor added that McIver, 37, would blaze several trails if she emerges victorious on Election Day: she’d be the first Black woman to represent the 10th District, the youngest member of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation, and the eighth woman in history elected to Congress from New Jersey.
Other fellow Garden State Democratic leaders have been congratulating McIver on her apparent primary election win. They include:
U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) – “LaMonica is a dedicated public servant with a track record of success fighting for the City of Newark and Essex County, and I know she will bring that passion to Congress. I look forward to working together to lower costs for Garden State families, expand access to child care in North Jersey, and protect abortion rights. I know that LaMonica will carry on Rep. Donald Payne’s legacy of delivering for New Jersey, serving with kindness, and putting our democracy first.”
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) – “Congrats on your big win! Couldn’t be happier for you. Can’t wait to work together to deliver for Jersey families in Congress.”
The council president has drummed up some local support in the Brick City, including endorsements from Mayor Ras Baraka and South Ward Councilman Patrick Council.
McIver has also won over the political committees in each county in the district; she is endorsed by the chair of New Jersey Democratic State Committee, the Essex County Democratic Committee and the Union County Democratic Committee.
Click Here: canterbury-bankstown bulldogs shirt
On the federal level, McIver previously saw an endorsement from U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, a Newark resident, who called her “an inspiring and groundbreaking leader who will be a champion for the people of the 10th Congressional District.” On the state level, McIver has found support from Sen. Teresea Ruiz (NJ-29), who made an Election Day push for her on Tuesday. And on the county level, she has received endorsements from the nine members of the Essex County Board of Commissioners.
She has also seen endorsements from advocacy groups such as Montclair-based BlueWaveNJ, which praised her “strong record as an advocate, including her opposition to redlining and her support for foreclosure prevention and affordable housing legislation.”
Other support has come from the SEIU NJ State Council, which cited her “exemplary record of public service in the state’s largest city where thousands of the council’s union members live and work.”
According to the city’s website, McIver’s foray into politics began at the age of 13, when she began mobilizing other youth and underscoring the power of civic participation.
“This early immersion, combined with her academic achievements – an English Literature degree from Bloomfield College and a master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy from Seton Hall University – set her on a path that seamlessly blended education and governance,” the city’s website reads.
It continues:
“Her distinguished tenure in the educational sector, notably as Personnel Director for Montclair Public Schools, is a testament to her leadership. LaMonica’s rise from a Future Business Leader to pivotal HR roles across various public school districts showcases her adaptability, vision, and unparalleled commitment to institutional growth. Beyond her professional accolades, LaMonica’s heart beats for Newark. In 2012, she founded Newark G.A.L.S., Inc., an organization fiercely devoted to fostering female leaders of tomorrow. With her guidance, Newark G.A.L.S has touched the lives of over 3,000 young women through its transformative initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s future. Similarly, her pioneering efforts with the Believe In Newark Foundation have mobilized considerable resources, directly benefiting the residents of Newark in multifaceted ways.”
According to McIver’s campaign website, some of the achievements she has seen during her tenure as a council member in the city’s Central Ward include promoting community health initiatives, helping to create affordable housing, creating recreation opportunities for Newark youth, and working on beautification efforts such as The Hope Box Project.
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
0 thoughts on “LaMonica McIver Of Newark Claims Big Primary Election Win In NJ-10”