Newark Councilwoman Running To Replace Late NJ Congressman

NEWARK, NJ — The president of the Newark City Council has officially thrown her hat into the ring to replace the late U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr.

LaMonica McIver announced Monday that the “petitions are in” for her run at a seat in Congress later this year. She will be competing to replace Payne in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District, which includes Newark and several other municipalities in Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

Payne, who was up for re-election this year, died in April after he suffered a heart attack related to his diabetes. He was running unopposed in the June primary election for the Democratic nomination at the time of his death. Read More: Donald Payne: Mourning Continues For NJ Congressman With ‘Big Heart’

A special primary election to decide Democratic and Republican party nominees will take place on Tuesday, July 16. A special general election including independent and third-party candidates will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Read More: Gov. Murphy Calls For Special Elections To Replace Donald Payne Jr.

McIver became the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark Municipal Council in 2018.

According to the city’s website:

“LaMonica’s foray into politics began precociously at just 13, mobilizing 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. 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.

In a statementfollowing Payne's death, McIver praised his advocacy on the issues of health care, homeland security, gun control, infrastructure and women's rights.

McIver, who has been a political ally of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, received an endorsement for her Congressional bid from Baraka on Monday.

The mayor called McIver a “proven leader” who values “community, opportunity, equality and justice.”

“In our democracy, there are no more engaged advocates or committed voters than the Black women of America,” Baraka said. “It’s an honor, therefore, to endorse someone who would be the first Black woman to represent the people of Newark in the halls of Congress. I am beyond confident that if elected, McIver will be able to hit the ground running along the same trail Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman blazed before her.”

“As we mourn the loss of Congressman Payne, we can look to the future with optimism, knowing we are sending someone with the courage and dignity of McIver in his place,” Baraka added, pledging to do “whatever I can” to aid her campaign.

McIver also received an endorsement from South Ward Councilman and South Ward Democratic Chairmen Patrick Council.

“Council President McIver is primed and prepared to lead the 10th Congressional District at such a critical time as this,” Council said. “Her training, professionalism, and leadership will continue to be a uniting force in Washington and in the 10th congressional district.”

“The South Ward and the City of Newark is ready to roll up its sleeves to ensure a victory for our friend and comrade,” Council said.

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