Democrat LaMonica McIver Wins New Jersey Special House Election

TRENTON, N.J. — Democratic Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver has emerged victorious against Republican businessman Carmen Bucco in the special election for New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District. This election was necessitated by the passing of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. in April.

McIver is set to complete the remainder of Payne’s current term, which concludes in January. Meanwhile, both candidates will face off again in November for a full term in office.

In her victory statement on Wednesday, McIver underscored the influence of those who came before her, particularly naming Payne as a source of inspiration. She expressed her commitment to addressing pressing issues in the upcoming election, emphasizing the significance of reproductive health rights and economic policies that prioritize working-class Americans.

“My fight is to ensure that the voice of our communities is heard loud and clear in the political realm,” McIver stated.

Bucco, while congratulating McIver, expressed his eagerness for the rematch in November. “I am not going anywhere,” he stated in an email, vowing to work toward making the 10th District great again.

McIver became the Democratic candidate in a highly competitive field during the July special election. She has served on the Newark City Council since 2018 and has experience as a personnel director for Montclair Public Schools. Throughout her campaign, McIver has pledged to focus on critical issues, including affordability, infrastructure, abortion rights, and the safeguarding of democratic principles.

On the other hand, Bucco brands himself as a small-business owner with a unique background shaped by his experiences in the foster care system. He is particularly focused on supporting law enforcement and tackling corruption, as he detailed on his campaign website.

The 10th District is characterized by its predominately Democratic and majority-Black population in northern New Jersey, with a significant Republican disadvantage—outnumbered more than six to one.

This year has been tumultuous for New Jersey Democrats, who hold the majority in the state government and congressional seats. Significant events have included the federal bribery conviction of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, who denied the charges, as well as the controversial abolishment of the “county party line”—a long-standing practice in which local party leaders secure favorable ballot positions for chosen candidates.

Furthermore, Democratic Rep. Andy Kim, who is pursuing a seat in the Senate vacated by Menendez, has joined fellow Democrats in launching a federal lawsuit to contest the previous practice of the county party line as part of efforts to drive Menendez from office.