Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has endorsed LaMonica McIver to replace the late Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) in New Jersey’s 10th district.
“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,” said Baraka. “Payne would be proud and I promise to do whatever I can to make it happen.”
A Baraka ally and the Newark City Council President, McIver has emerged as the candidate of Essex County Democratic leaders. She has not yet announced her candidacy.
“In our democracy, there are no more engaged advocates or committed voters than the Black women of America. 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,” Baraka said. “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.”
Gov. Phil Murphy has ordered a June 16 special primary election and a September 18 special general election to fill the remaining months of Payne’s current term in Congress. Democratic county committee members will select a new nominee to run in the November 2024 election for a full two-year term. The filing deadline is on Friday at 4 PM.
Baraka noted the parallels between Payne’s service as council president before winning his late father’ House seat in 2012.
“McIver is in that mold, she is a proven leader, a compassionate public servant and she is a steward of our collective values – community, opportunity, equality and justice,” Baraka stated. “It is only fitting that she follows in Payne Jr.’s footsteps from City Council President to Washington D.C.”
McIver won the Newark Central Ward council seat in 2018 and 2022 running on Baraka’s slate.
She also received the endorsement of Newark South Ward Councilman Patrick Council, the South Ward Democratic chairman.
“Her training, professionalism, and leadership will continue to be a uniting force in Washington and in the 10th congressional district,” Council said. “The South Ward and the City of Newark is ready to roll up its sleeves to ensure a victory for our friend and comrade.”
Darryl Godfrey, the chief operations officer of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority and a former vice president of the Brick City Development Corporation when Cory Booker was Newark’s mayor, is also preparing to enter the race.