Summary
LaMonica R. McIver (born June 20, 1986) is an American politician who is a member of the United States House of Representatives for New Jersey’s 10th congressional district, having won the September 2024 special election to succeed Donald Payne Jr., who died in office in April 2024. She was sworn in on September 23, 2024.
OnAir Post: LaMonica McIver NJ-10
About
Source: Campaign Site
The first Black woman to represent NJ-10 and the youngest ever to be elected to the United States House of Representatives from New Jersey, LaMonica McIver was sworn into Congress on September 23, 2024. She is a member of the House Small Business and Homeland Security Committees.
McIver has been shattering records in elected office since her start in public service. In 2018, she was elected as the youngest woman ever to the Newark City Council where she proudly served as council president for seven years. She was a stalwart champion for the needs and aspirations of every resident of Newark’s Central Ward, and now she’s bringing that same fight to the halls of Congress for all who live and work in the 10th Congressional District.
McIver ran for Congress because she knows far too many families are struggling to make ends meet, facing skyrocketing costs of food, housing, healthcare and education. She’s also seeing the devastating impact of climate change playing out throughout the district in the form of catastrophic flooding that threatens lives, homes and livelihoods. Too often, these challenges are treated as separate issues, but McIver knows they are deeply interconnected and require comprehensive solutions that she is committed to working on in Washington.
McIver was born and raised in Newark’s Central Ward, where she still resides with her husband and daughter. As a proud product of Newark’s educational system, her passion for public service was ignited early by influential mentors like Mildred Crump, Ras Baraka and other local leaders.
Her journey into politics began at the age of 10, when she first mobilized other youth and highlighted the importance of civic engagement. Her early experiences, paired with her academic achievements—a degree in English Literature from Bloomfield College and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy from Seton Hall University—set her on a path to merge education and public service in the pursuit of improving people’s lives.
Her leadership in the education sector, including her role as personnel director for Montclair Public Schools, underscores her commitment to institutional growth. From her start as a future business leader for Newark Public Schools to her work in key HR roles across multiple school districts, McIver has consistently demonstrated vision, adaptability and a true dedication to education. Most recently, she served as public affairs manager for PSE&G.
In 2012, McIver founded Newark G.A.L.S., Inc., a nonprofit devoted to nurturing future female leaders. Under her leadership, the organization has impacted over 3,000 young women through transformative programs, leaving a lasting imprint on the future of the city and the state.
As the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark Municipal Council and now to Congress from New Jersey, McIver is redefining what’s possible for future leaders. From her roots in Newark to her rise as a national thought leader, she stands as a symbol of empowerment, leadership and transformative change—and her journey is only just getting started.
Web Links
Politics
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Finances
Source: Vote Smart
New Legislation
Issues
Environment
Climate change is and will continue to affect our District and communities all across the globe. From the devastation of coastal communities, to extreme weather events, extreme heat, dangerous pollution and threats to our food system, we cannot ignore the impact of climate change and we cannot wait to act. I firmly support efforts to expand environmental protections, hold polluters accountable and create a more sustainable economy, both with legislation and through federal funding.
Education
As a former educator, I have seen firsthand how a strong education and well-supported schools and teachers can open doors and transform lives for students. No matter their ZIP code or economic status, all students deserve the chance to thrive in school.
Reproductive Justice
The right to make decisions about your body and your reproductive health is just that—yours. It should not be up to politicians to police the choices you make when it comes to the decision to start a family. I firmly oppose the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and turn back reproductive rights in this country, and I am outraged at the statewide abortion bans currently preventing millions of Americans from receiving the care they need.
LGBTQ+ Rights
Our nation’s promise of justice for all must extend to every person, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any other factor. As a member of Congress and a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I am committed to championing LGBTQ+ rights and ensuring every person can live free from discrimination and harassment.
Healthcare
Every American deserves access to high-quality, affordable healthcare—no matter their economic status. In Washington, I am committed to increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure for underserved communities, eliminating discrimination within our healthcare institutions, and promoting care that is affordable and culturally competent. No vulnerable community should be overlooked or left behind in our pursuit of a healthier nation.
Housing
The housing affordability crisis is real and safe, affordable, high-quality housing for all Americans is a top priority of mine. I am committed to advancing legislation that strengthens and expands federal housing assistance programs, including Section 8 vouchers, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and critical initiatives that support housing access for those who need it most. I am also working every day to lower the cost and increase the supply of housing for working families nationwide.
Small Business
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. In Congress, I am working to empower entrepreneurs by pushing for policies that fight monopolization, foster innovation, expand access to capital in vulnerable communities, promote diversity in entrepreneurship and cut through red tape so businesses can thrive.
As a member of the House Committee on Small Business, I am working to achieve these goals and to expand access to capital for underserved communities, giving more hopeful business owners the chance to find success.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Infrastructure investment is crucial to our nation’s economy and, for so many Americans, reliable transit systems are a lifeline. I am committed to building a safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation system that serves everyone equitably.
Voting Rights
New Jerseyans know that our vote is our voice, and is a powerful tool in shaping our future. That’s why I am committed to expanding and protecting the right to vote across our country. Regressive voter suppression tactics, which have historically been used to limit access to the halls of power and silence underrepresented voices—especially in communities of color—have no place in our democracy. I will always fight back against these injustices that try to silence Americans, regardless of race, economic status, belief system or neighborhood.
More Information
Wikipedia
LaMonica R. McIver (born June 20, 1986) is an American politician who is a member of the United States House of Representatives for New Jersey’s 10th congressional district, having won the September 2024 special election to succeed Donald Payne Jr., who died in office in April 2024.[1] She was sworn in on September 23, 2024.[2]
Background
McIver was born in Newark, New Jersey on June 20, 1986.[3] She grew up in the city’s Central Ward, and graduated from Central High School in 2004.[4] Prior to entering politics, McIver worked as a personnel director for Montclair Public Schools.[5] She was elected to the Municipal Council of Newark in 2018[6] and became its president in 2022.[7] She resigned from the council presidency in 2024 (while remaining a council member) to focus on her congressional campaign, being succeeded by C. Lawrence Crump.[8]
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | LaMonica McIver | 26,269 | 81.17% | +3.53% | |
| Republican | Carmen Bucco | 5,126 | 15.84% | −6.20% | |
| One For All…[a] | Russell Jenkins | 515 | 1.59% | N/A | |
| Creating Real Progress[a] | Rayfield Morton | 454 | 1.40% | N/A | |
| Total votes | 32,364 | 100.00% | |||
| Democratic hold | |||||
See also
- List of African-American United States representatives
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
Notes
References
- ^ Friedman, Matt (July 16, 2024). “LaMonica McIver wins special primary for late NJ Rep. Donald Payne Jr.’s seat”. Politico. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Wildstein, David (September 23, 2024). “McIver will be sworn in today”. New Jersey Globe. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
- ^ United States Congress. “LaMonica McIver (id: M001229)”. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ Wiedmann, Tom. “Central Ward Councilwoman McIver Announces Bid For Reelection”, TAPinto Newark, January 27, 2022. Accessed September 19, 2024. “Born and raised in the Central Ward, McIver attended Warren Street School and graduated from Morton Street School. She attended Central High School, where she graduated in 2004.”
- ^ McIntire, Mary Ellen (July 16, 2024). “McIver wins Democrats’ backing to serve out Payne’s term”. Roll Call. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
- ^ “Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver brings monthly “Inside Newark” segment to the WBGO Journal”. WBGO.
- ^ Wildstein, David (July 1, 2022). “McIver elected Newark Council President”. New Jersey Globe.
- ^ Kiefer, Eric (September 17, 2024). “McIver Steps Down As Newark Council President, Continues Congress Bid”. Patch Media. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
- ^ “Official List, Candidates for House of Representatives For SPECIAL GENERAL ELECTION 09/18/2024 Election” (PDF). Secretary of State of New Jersey. July 31, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
External links
- Congresswoman LaMonica McIver official U.S. House website
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
