Michelle L. Middleton, a former New York City police officer who lost a bid for the Newark West Ward city council seat in 2022, is filing nominating petitions to seek Donald Payne’s 10th district congressional seat, the New Jersey Globe has learned.
She’s running as an independent in the September 18 special election and in November. But Middleton told the New Jersey Globe that she would caucus with House Democrats if she wins.
The filing deadline for the primary is at 4 PM today — independents have until July 16 — and it’s unclear if any surprise candidates will emerge.
The late congressman’s sister, Nicole Y. Payne, a former East Orange school board member and director of alternative education for the Paterson school district, expressed some interest this week in running for the seat once held by her late father, Donald M. Payne, Sr. It’s not certain if she plans to file.
So far, only Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver has filed petitions to run in the July 16 special election to fill the unexpired term of Payne, who died on April 24.
But several other candidates are widely expected to run: Linden Mayor Derek Armstead; Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker; state economic development official Darry Godfrey; and Brittany Claybrooks, a former East Orange councilwoman and the North Jersey political director for Andy Kim’s U.S. Senate campaign.
Middleton finished last in a field of six candidates for an open West Ward seat two years ago, receiving just 90 votes (2.3%). She works for a non-profit in Newark.
Gov. Phil Murphy issued a writ of special election last Friday. Candidates need 200 signatures to qualify for the ballot.