East Orange Mayor Ted Green has endorsed LaMonica McIver for the Democratic nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 10th district.
McIver, the Newark city council president, is one of eleven candidates running in a July 18 special primary election to fill the unexpired term of Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark), who died on April 24 at age 65.
“LaMonica has already established herself as a leader of great promise, having made a significant impact as the youngest member of the Newark Municipal Council,” Green said “Her unflappable leadership style and commitment to putting the needs of people first are a testament to her dedication to public service.”
Green went with McIver over a hometown candidate, former East Orange Councilwoman Brittany Claybrooks, although his backing of the Central Ward councilwoman was expected. Essex County Democratic Chairman LeRoy Jones, Jr., who is also the East Orange Democratic municipal chair, endorsed McIver on May 8.
“We need a formidable voice to represent the diverse needs of our district, and I believe LaMonica has the aspirational spirit and vision to lead us into a new era of hope, progress and impactful change,” Green said.
Green said McIver would be a “compassionate and progressive leader” to fill Payne’s “giant shoes.”