McIver Steps Down As Newark Council President, Continues Congress Bid

NEWARK, NJ — Congressional candidate LaMonica McIver stepped down from her post as president of the Newark City Council on Tuesday as she continues her campaign to replace the late U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr.

McIver transitioned from the helm of the council during their meeting on Tuesday. She will remain the council representative for the Central Ward. Councilman C. Lawrence Crump has assumed her place as president.

Watch footage from the Sept. 17 council meeting below, or view it online here.

The councilwoman has served as president since 2022. She became the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark Municipal Council in 2018. Her current term ends on June 30, 2026.

Speaking at the city council meeting on Tuesday, McIver said it has been her “absolute pleasure” to serve as president. She said the council has tackled some big issues during her tenure, including infrastructure improvements, gains on affordable housing and “reimagining” public safety.

McIver wished her successor good luck and success – and Crump said he is up to the task.

“We’re moving into a new era, and I hope that as a full council we can support and move the agenda forward,” Crump said, pledging that he will be a “council president for all.”

South Ward Councilman Patrick Council commended McIver for her ongoing work in the Newark community, saying that she has “fought very hard” for the residents of the city, including women and young people.

“On behalf of my council colleagues, we want to commend and congratulate you on your service as the council president,” Council said, presenting her with a bouquet of flowers.

Councilwoman Louise Scott-Rountree also praised McIver’s contributions to the council and city.

“You’re going to be missed – your courage, your outspokenness – being a woman who would stand firm in spite of the adversities and against the odds,” she said. “These seats are not easy … they’re not for the faint of heart.”

ELECTION 2024

Residents of New Jersey’s 10th Congressional 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’

McIver – a Newark native – is one of four candidates appearing on the ballot in a special election on Wednesday. The prize? Payne’s unexpired term in Congress – which runs out at the end of the year.

Carmen Bucco ran unopposed for the Republican Party nomination. McIver defeated a large field of candidates in the Democratic Party primary. Two independent candidates are also running in Wednesday’s election: Russell Jenkins and Rayfield Morton.

Payne’s unexpired term will end on Jan. 3. Voters in the district will decide who gets to continue the full term in the general election on Nov. 5.

• See Related: McIver Of Newark Claims Big Primary Election Win In NJ-10

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.