Cryan backs McIver for Payne’s congressional seat

State Sen. Joseph Cryan (D-Union) has endorsed LaMonica McIver for Congress to replace Donald Payne, who died last month at age 65. 

Cryan’s decision to support the Newark Democrat, the clear front-runner in the 10th district special Democratic primary on July 16, comes despite a Union County Democrat, Linden Mayor Derek Armstead, in the eleven-candidate race.

“I know LaMonica McIver will succeed as a member of Congress,” said Cryan.  “I’ve watched LaMonica work as the president of the Newark City Council, and I know her to be a tremendous leader with a strong dedication to public service and the perfect temperament required to effectuate positive results in these turbulent times.”

Union County Democrats are scheduled to meet tomorrow night to make an endorsement in the race, and it appears McIver has the votes to use the organization slogan on the primary ballot. 

Cryan is also the Union Township Democratic municipal chairman.  Each of the eight Union County municipalities in the 10th has one vote at the meeting, and it’s possible Armstead could emerge with just one vote — his own; Armstead is the Democratic chair in Linden.

The special primary will pick a candidate for a special general election on September 18 in one of the nation’s most staunchly Democratic districts; the winner — Republican Carmen Bucco is unopposed — will fill the final months of Payne’s unexpired term.

Still, the Democratic county committee in the Essex, Union, and Hudson municipalities in the 10th district must meet before August 26 to pick a candidate to replace Payne on the November general election ballot.  While the winner of the July special election is expected to be the Democratic nominee for full two-year term, Democrats are under no legal obligation to do that.

Union Township has 100 votes at that special county committee meeting, the fourth largest block in the 10th district and roughly 20% of the total number needed to win.  

“I look forward to doing the work required to make sure she secures the nomination and look forward to working with her as our next representative in Washington, Cryan said.

Cryan also praised Payne, whom he had known for most of his life.  His father was the Essex County sheriff, while Payne’s father was an Essex County freeholder. 

“Donald Payne, Jr. proved to be an amazing representative for our district, and his presence will continue to be missed each day,” stated Cryan.  “His tremendous accomplishments, along with those of his father, Donald Payne, Sr., have created a true legacy of service over the last 35 years, and the standards they set are lofty goals for anyone to try and emulate.”