LaMonica McIver

LaMonica McIver is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 10th congressional district. She was first elected to Congress in a special election on September 18, 2024, to succeed the late Representative Donald Payne Jr., and was sworn into office on September 23, 2024. She subsequently won election to a full term in the November 2024 general election. A lifelong resident of Newark, New Jersey, McIver earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from Bloomfield College and a master's degree in educational leadership and policy from Seton Hall University. Her professional career before federal office included roles as a human resources professional for public schools, public affairs manager for PSE&G, and executive director for the Essex Regional Educational Services Commission. Before joining Congress, McIver served on the Newark Municipal Council from 2018 to 2024, where she became the youngest woman ever elected to the council and served as its president from 2022 to 2024. During her time in local government, she was recognized for her work on environmental justice, particularly the replacement of lead water lines, and for founding Newark G.A.L.S., Inc., a non-profit dedicated to mentoring and empowering young women. In the House of Representatives, she serves on the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Small Business.

McIver's policy platform focuses on social equity, urban infrastructure, and economic opportunity. She is a strong advocate for the Affordable Care Act and supports universal healthcare access and the federal protection of reproductive rights. Her economic positions include supporting an increase to the federal minimum wage, strengthening labor protections through legislation like the PRO Act, and addressing the rising costs of housing and food for working-class families. In environmental policy, she prioritizes climate action and environmental justice, specifically supporting federal investments in sustainable infrastructure and clean water systems based on her experience with water projects in Newark. Regarding immigration, McIver supports immigrant rights and has called for robust congressional oversight of enforcement agencies and the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for vulnerable populations. She also supports common-sense gun safety measures, including universal background checks for firearm sales, and has supported legislative measures for aid to Ukraine.