Carmen Bucco

Carmen Bucco grew up in foster care, was living on his own at 17, and has spoken publicly about periods of homelessness.¹² His early work included shining shoes, followed by learning pressing, dry cleaning and clothing measurements.¹ In his late teens, he began tailoring and teaching himself about fabrics and garment construction.¹

After time away from the industry, he returned to formalwear work and eventually started his own business.¹ His company's biography describes launching Bucco Clothiers with $5,000 and one room for an office.¹ Bucco Couture offers custom clothing, home and office fittings, and a mobile fashion truck.¹ Its products include custom garments for men and women, jeans and ready made suits.¹

He also founded Bucco's Rising Stars Foundation.² He previously served on the Belleville school board, and his past campaigns have included municipal council, county commissioner and State Assembly races.³ In 2024, he was the Republican House candidate in both the district's special election and November general election.³

His 2026 platform emphasizes mental health support, preventing fraud in public spending, and supporting police and other first responders.⁴ He also calls for schools to focus on basic academics and for greater restraint in government spending.⁴ He faces Democratic Representative LaMonica McIver for New Jersey's 10th District seat.⁵