LeRoy Jones backs LaMonica McIver for Payne’s House seat

Essex County Democratic chairman takes sides in July 16 special election

By David Wildstein, May 08 2024 9:16 am

Essex County Democratic Chairman LeRoy Jones, Jr. has endorsed LaMonica McIver, the president of the Newark City Council, for the Democratic nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 10th district to replace the late Donald Payne.

“LaMonica is a passionate and dedicated public servant who has demonstrated her commitment to the people of Essex throughout her tenure on the Newark Council,” said Jones.   “I believe LaMonica will steer the path of her own destiny and will represent the people of the 10th congressional district with honor and integrity, and with the spirit of humility that Congressman Payne showed us.”

Jones’ support of McIver is no surprise.  He ran a meeting of key Essex party leaders, including County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka last Friday evening where they agreed to back McIver in a July 16 special Democratic primary to fill the unexpired term of Payne, a six-term Newark Democrat who died on April 24 at age 65.

When she filed her nominating petitions on Monday, McIver included the Essex County Democratic organization slogan.

“She is a worthy successor to Congressman Payne, who we remember as a true progressive who fought for Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, racial justice, equal rights, reproductive freedom, public transportation, free college tuition, and affordable childcare, housing, and prescription drugs,” said Jones.  “LaMonica will no doubt continue and honor Congressman Payne’s legacy, but she will also establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in Congress.”

McIver is expected to face former East Orange Councilwoman Brittany Claybrooks, who left her job as North Jersey political director for Andy Kim’s U.S. Senate campaign to launch a run for Congress.  Darryl Godfrey, a state economic development official, is also expected to enter the race.

Jones, the state Democratic chairman and East Orange Democratic municipal chairman, paid tribute to Payne, his close friend of many years.

“Congressman Payne was ‘the gentleman from the 10th congressional district’, with his colorful bow ties, pocket squares, and clever socks. But he was also a humble servant to the people of the 10th district. He was a quiet – but always fierce – fighter for our core Democratic values,” Jones stated.  “He cared deeply about people, and about helping people achieve the best versions of themselves. And the work he did for Essex, for the 10th district, and for the nation, he did quietly and without ever seeking praise. He did the work because he cared. And he would want us to keep his legacy alive, to never quit, and to always keep doing the work.”

McIver, 37, is serving her second term as a councilwoman from Newark’s Central Ward.