Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss today announced that the town’s entire Democratic organization and elected officials are endorsing LaMonica McIver for Congress in New Jersey’s 10th district.
Joining Vauss are State Sen. Renee Burgess (D-Irvington), Democratic Municipal Chair Annette Beasley, Essex County Commissioner Romaine Graham (D-Irvington), and all seven members of the town council.
“LaMonica is a valuable asset, driven, intelligent, dependable, hard-working, and highly qualified. Her commitment to serving others is evident in her tireless efforts to provide support for children throughout Essex County and beyond,” said Vauss. “I have witnessed firsthand her dedication to improving the lives of our youth, and her passion for creating positive change is truly inspiring.”
McIver, 37, is the Newark Council President and a two-term councilwoman from the city’s Central Ward. She is running in a July 16 special Democratic primary to replace Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark), who died on April 24 at age 65.
“Beyond her impressive work in supporting children, LaMonica is a person of integrity and moral character,” stated Vauss. “In this day and age, it is crucial to have leaders who stand up for what is right. I believe that LaMonica is that leader.”
Vauss praised McIver for her strong advocacy of women’s rights and reproductive rights.
“We need someone who will fight tirelessly for the rights of all people and ensure that everyone receives their fair share in this great nation,” he said.
McIver is expected to face former East Orange Councilwoman Brittany Claybrooks and Darryl Godfrey, the chief operations officer of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority, in the primary.
Claybrooks left her job as North Jersey Political Director of Andy Kim’s U.S. Senate campaign to launch her congressional run.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka endorsed McIver on Monday,
Vauss was among a group of four mayors, along with Essex County Democratic Chairman LeRoy Jones, Jr., Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, Jr., Baraka, and Mayors Ted Green of East Orange and Dwayne Warren of Orange.