Democrat · New Jersey's 10th District · 2026
LaMonica McIver
McIver welcomed her second daughter this fall, joining an older daughter at home in Newark's Central Ward, where McIver herself grew up.
Biography
LaMonica McIver still lives in Newark's Central Ward, where she grew up.1 In 2026, she welcomed her second daughter and publicly shared her experience using IVF after years of fertility struggles.1 She announced October parental leave, with plans to return to House voting in November.2
McIver graduated from Newark's Central High School in 2004, earned her bachelor's degree at Bloomfield College in 2008 and completed a master's at Seton Hall in 2011.3 She began working for Newark Public Schools in 2006, before earning her bachelor's degree.3 Her later professional roles included personnel director for Montclair Public Schools and public affairs manager at PSE&G.4
She founded Newark G.A.L.S., a nonprofit focused on developing leadership among girls and young women.4 She served on Newark's City Council from 2018 through 2024, including as president from 2022 through 2024.3 A 2024 special election brought her to Congress after Representative Donald Payne Jr.'s death.3 She is the first Black woman to represent the district.1
McIver serves on Homeland Security and Small Business and has introduced proposals addressing small businesses, AI data center transparency and maternal healthcare.1 Her campaign emphasizes affordability, flood protection and environmental sustainability.4 She also advocates reproductive and maternal healthcare access.2 Republican Carmen Bucco is her November opponent.5
Record and controversies
Federal charges and immunity appeal
McIver was indicted on three counts alleging that she forcibly assaulted, resisted or impeded federal officers during a May 2025 visit to Delaney Hall.6 She pleaded not guilty and argues that the prosecution retaliates against congressional oversight.7 On August 26, 2026, the Third Circuit affirmed the denial of immunity for two counts, vacated and remanded the ruling on the third, and dismissed the remaining appeal for lack of jurisdiction.8 These were pretrial rulings, not guilty verdicts.8 On October 9, 2026, she requested review by the full appeals court, calling the charges baseless and defending her oversight authority.9
Verification limit: The latest filing verified for this note is the October 9 request; a later disposition was not verified.