McIver: ‘I am running for Congress’

Newark council president joins race to succeed Donald Payne

By David Wildstein, May 06 2024 1:40 pm

Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver today announced she will seek the 10th district congressional seat of Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark), who died on April 24 as he was seeking his seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to have received the Democratic endorsement for the 10th congressional seat,” McIver said.  “This moment is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the trust and confidence that the community has placed in me to carry on the legacy of dedicated public service set by the late Honorable Donald M. Payne, Jr. and his father.”

McIver, 37, has emerged as the frontrunner in the July 16 special Democratic primary to fill the remaining months of Payne’s term.  She has secured the backing of Essex County Democratic Chairman LeRoy Jones, Jr., Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, Jr., and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

Payne is unopposed in the June 6 Democratic primary and is expected to win posthumously.  Separate from the special election for the unexpired term, Democratic county committee members from parts of Essex, Union, and Hudson counties must meet before August 26 to designate a replacement nominee.

“With this nomination comes a tremendous responsibility—one that I do not take lightly. I am deeply committed to continue to serve our community with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast determination to address the challenges we face and fight for the issues that matter most to all of us,” stated McIver.  “Together, we have the opportunity to build upon the foundation that Congressman Payne Sr. and Congressman Payne Jr. built and create a brighter future for our district, one where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and every community thrives.”

McIver is serving her second term as a councilwoman from Newark’s Central Ward.  She was elected in 2018 as a member of Baraka’s slate, and re-elected in 2022.

“I am grateful for this incredible opportunity, and I pledge to work tirelessly on behalf of each and every constituent. I am excited and ready to start this journey together,” she said.  “I’m running for Congress.”

Darryl Godfrey, the chief operations officer of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority, is preparing to enter the race.