McIver endorses Ras Baraka for Governor

Calling him a transformational leader, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-Newark) has endorsed Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for the Democratic nomination for governor.

“I support Mayor Baraka as the next governor because I know he can get the job done,” said McIver.  “I’ve seen him strengthen education here in the city, reduce crime, expand affordable housing, create home ownership. I’ve seen him do transformational things here in the city, and I know he can do that here in New Jersey.”

She considers Baraka her mentor; the three-term Newark mayor was McIver’s teacher and high school principal, and she was twice elected to the Central Ward seat on the Newark City Council on Baraka’s slate.

McIver was serving as Newark City Council President when she was elected to Congress in a September special election following the death of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark).  She represents parts of Essex, Union, and Hudson counties and was elected to a full two-year term that commences next month.

“People are struggling, wages are still low, and we need a governor who understands that,” she said. “So that’s why I support Mayor Baraka.”

McIver is the second member of the New Jersey congressional delegation to endorse Baraka: Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) announced her support of Baraka in November.

In a field of six Democrats that also includes Reps. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), like McIver an Essex County Democrat, and Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly), Baraka is one of two candidates to receive the backing of any New Jersey members of Congress so far; Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden) is supporting his longtime friend, former State Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford).

See here for a full list of 2025 gubernatorial endorsements.