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.
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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 serving as the U.S. representative for New Jersey’s 10th congressional district since 2024. A member of the Democratic Party, she served on the Newark municipal council from 2018 to 2024.
McIver won the September 2024 special election to succeed Donald Payne Jr. in Congress, who died in office in April 2024. On June 10, 2025, McIver was indicted by a grand jury for “forcibly impeding and interfering with federal officers”, which carries a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison.[1][2] However, she refutes the charges and has stated that they are political in nature and meant to deter lawmakers from conducting legislative oversight.[3]
Early life and career
McIver was born in Newark, New Jersey, on June 20, 1986,[4] the oldest of four children.[5] She grew up in the city’s Central Ward, and graduated from Central High School in 2004.[6] Her mother struggled with substance abuse as McIver was growing up.[5] McIver was the first in her family to attend college,[5] and she graduated from Bloomfield College with a degree in English Literature and from Seton Hall University with a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy. Prior to entering politics, McIver worked as a personnel director for Montclair Public Schools and public affairs manager for Newark’s Public Service Enterprise Group.[7] She co-founded a non-profit, Newark G.A.L.S., to foster leadership in young women and girls, and was active with another Newark non-profit, the Believe in Newark Foundation. She is married, and she and her husband have a daughter.[8]
Ras Baraka was her fifth grade teacher, and McIver first developed an interest in politics while handing out flyers to support his campaign for city council. The New York Times described Baraka as playing “a key role in shepherding her career”.[5]
McIver was elected to the Municipal Council of Newark in 2018[9] and became its president in 2022.[10] She resigned from the council presidency in 2024 (while remaining a council member) to focus on her congressional campaign.[11]
U.S. House of Representatives
Election
Following the death of Donald Payne Jr., who represented New Jersey’s 10th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives, in April 2024, McIver announced her candidacy in the special election to fill the seat in May.[12] She won the Democratic Party primary election in July[13] and won the general election in September. She was sworn in on September 23, 2024.[14] She won her first full term in the November 5, 2024, general election.[15]
Newark immigration detention center incident
On May 9, 2025, McIver performed an oversight visit at an ICE detention facility in Newark, along with two other Democratic representatives from New Jersey, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez. Mayor Ras Baraka, who arrived a half hour later, was invited onto the property, where he waited for the congressional delegation. He was later asked to leave, which he did, and he was then arrested for trespassing, though the charges were subsequently dropped. McIver and others attempted to protect Baraka from arrest. On May 19, 2025, interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba announced that McIver had been charged with assaulting, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement in connection with the incident.[16] In a statement released on the same day, McIver said, of the charges, that “they mischaracterize and distort [her] actions, and are meant to criminalize and deter legislative oversight.”[3] On May 20, 2025, McIver stated that she rejected a plea deal from the United States Department of Justice.[17] On June 10, McIver was indicted by federal prosecutors led by Alina Habba for her actions at the Newark immigration center.[18] At her arraignment hearing, McIver pleaded not guilty, and Judge Jamel Semper set a trial date of November 10.[19]
Caucus memberships
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 | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | LaMonica McIver (incumbent) | 182,020 | 74.4% | −6.77% | |
| Republican | Carmen Bucco | 54,405 | 22.2% | +6.36% | |
| Green | Jon Serrano | 3,198 | 1.3% | N/A | |
| Independent | Cynthia Johnson | 2,132 | 0.9% | N/A | |
| Independent | Michelle Middleton | 1,686 | 0.7% | N/A | |
| Independent | Donna Weiss | 1,136 | 0.5% | N/A | |
| Total votes | 244,577 | 100.0 | |||
| Democratic hold | |||||
See also
- List of African-American United States representatives
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
Notes
References
- ^ Mitchell, Ottilie (June 11, 2025). “US Congresswoman LaMonica McIver indicted for impeding law enforcement”. BBC.
- ^ “Congresswoman Charged for Forcibly Impeding and Interfering With Federal Officers”. Department of Justice. United States Federal Government. June 10, 2025. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
- ^ a b “McIver Issues Statement on Charges”.
- ^ United States Congress. “LaMonica McIver (id: M001229)”. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Tully, Tracey (May 26, 2025). “New to Congress, She’s in the Cross Hairs of Trump’s Justice Department”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
- ^ 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.”
- ^ “Meet LaMonica | Congresswoman LaMonica McIver”. mciver.house.gov. November 5, 2024. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ Strunsky, Steve (July 17, 2024). “Who is LaMonica McIver, who just won primary to replace late Donald Payne Jr. in Congress?”. NJ.com. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- ^ “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.
- ^ https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/mciver-i-am-running-for-congress/
- ^ 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.
- ^ Fox, Joey (November 6, 2024). “LaMonica McIver re-elected to first full term in Congress”. New Jersey Globe. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
- ^ Davis, Aaron C.; Baran, Jonathan (May 22, 2025). “Body slamming? Officer aggression? How an ICE clash led to charges against a congresswoman”. The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ “NJ congresswoman rejects plea deal, denies wrongdoing at ICE detention center”. ABC7. May 20, 2025. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- ^ “US Rep. LaMonica McIver indicted on federal charges from skirmish at New Jersey immigration center”. AP News. June 10, 2025. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
- ^ Catalini, Mike (June 25, 2025). “US Rep. LaMonica McIver pleads not guilty to assault charges stemming from immigration center visit”. AP News. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
- ^ “Caucus Members”. Congressional Progressive Caucus. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
- ^ “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.
- ^ “Candidates for House of Representatives For GENERAL ELECTION 11/05/2024 Election, * denotes incumbent” (PDF). nj.gov. December 5, 2024. pp. 14–15. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 7, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
External links
- Congresswoman LaMonica McIver official U.S. House website
- LaMonica for Congress – Official campaign 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
