LaMonica McIver’s victory in tonight’s special Democratic primary for Congress in New Jersey’s 10th district cleared the way for Bishop Andre Speight, a pastor and the Central Ward Democratic municipal chair, to announce his bid for McIver’s city council seat.
On Thursday evening, McIver is expected to win the Democratic nomination for a full two-year term for the seat held by Rep. Donald Payne (D-Newark) from 2012 until his death on April 24. She would be a shoo-in to win the September 18 special election.
Speight is the husband of Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (D-Newark).
“My pastoral journey has allowed me to connect with diverse congregations and guide them with compassion and wisdom. Through active involvement in and outside the four walls of these churches, I’ve witnessed the resilience and needs of our neighbors firsthand,” he said. “As President of the Newark Central Ward Ministers and Friends Alliance, I have dedicated myself to foster strong community bonds. my philanthropic efforts include offering housing assistance and providing crucial emotional support, tirelessly working to elevate the lives of those I serve.”
He called for balancing development and affordable housing, stronger business partnerships, and support for Mayor Ras Baraka. He called Baraka a “visionary behind many national and state models of success, from lead water line replacement to mentoring youth, to job and contract opportunities.”
The Central Ward council seat was where Cory Booker kicked off his political career when he ousted incumbent George Branch in 1998.