House Democratic Leader Heads To Newark To Raise Money For McIver

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar is coming to Newark this week to raise money for Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-Newark), another sign of the New Jersey congresswoman’s rapidly expanding national profile following the Trump administration’s decision to bring criminal charges against her.

Aguilar, a California Democrat and the number three-ranking House Democrat, will headline a Wednesday morning fundraiser for McIver at a local restaurant in downtown Newark.  Tickets are $250 for co-hosts and $500 for hosts.

The appearance by a member of House Democratic leadership is notable for McIver, who represents one of the safest Democratic congressional districts in New Jersey and ordinarily would have little need for national party figures to help finance her re-election.

But McIver’s prosecution has transformed her from a relatively unknown freshman into a nationally recognizable figure and a prominent Democratic antagonist of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

McIver was indicted last year on two felony counts and a misdemeanor stemming from a confrontation with federal officers during a congressional oversight visit to the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark.  She has pleaded not guilty and has sought to have the charges dismissed, arguing in part that her actions were protected by the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause.  A federal judge allowed the prosecution to proceed, and McIver appealed.

Aguilar, who represents California’s 33rd district, has chaired the House Democratic Caucus since 2023 and sits near the top of the leadership team headed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.  If Democrats win the House, Aguilar could become the Majority Whip.

His trip to Newark provides McIver with more than fundraising help: it is another public demonstration that House Democratic leaders stand behind her as she battles the Trump Justice Department.

McIver won the heavily Democratic 10th district in a September 2024 special election following the death of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark).  She was re-elected to her first full term in November and faces a rematch with Republican Carmen Bucco this fall.