LaMonica McIver

LaMonica McIver was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1986.[1] She earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from Bloomfield College in 2008 and a graduate degree in education leadership, management & policy from Seton Hall University in 2011.[2] Her career experience includes working as an administrator.[3] She previously served on the Newark City Council from 2018 to 2024.[2]

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Regular election

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Special election

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a proud product of the Newark educational system and received an English Literature degree from Bloomfield College and a master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy from Seton Hall University. I worked for many years in the educational sector, most recently as Executive Director for Essex Regional Educational Services Commission. This year, I transitioned from the public sector and am now serving as a Regional Public Affairs Manager for a company.

My first foray into politics began at just 13, mobilizing youth and underscoring the power of civic participation. This early immersion, combined with my academic focus, set me on a path that seamlessly blends education and governance. In 2012, I founded Newark G.A.L.S., Inc., an organization devoted to fostering female leaders of tomorrow that has touched the lives of over 3,000 young women in the City. In 2018, I was proudly elected as the youngest woman ever to Newark Municipal Council and have been serving as Council President since 2022.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Background:

Newark Native: LaMonica is a proud native of Newark, deeply connected to her community.

Family-Oriented: She is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, emphasizing her strong family values and community ties.

Education: She holds an English Literature degree from Bloomfield College and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from Seton Hall University.

Early Political Engagement: LaMonica's political journey began at age 13, mobilizing youth for civic participation.

Educational Sector Leadership: She has held significant roles in the educational sector, including Personnel Director for Willingboro Public Schools.

Public Affairs Manager: Currently, she serves as a Public Affairs Manager.Advocacy and Vision

Youth Advocacy: She is a passionate advocate for the advancement and protection of youth.

Innovative Policymaking: LaMonica is known for her innovative approaches to policy and governance.

Holistic Solutions: She aims to address interconnected issues like food, housing, healthcare, education, and climate change with comprehensive solutions.Recent Accomplishments in Newark:

Public Safety: Newark has become a model city for treating crime as a public health issue, with initiatives like the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery.

Education: Initiatives such as the Mayor’s Scholars program and partnerships to increase literacy and educational equity.

Equitable Growth: Efforts like the Newark360 Master Plan and guaranteed income programs to address economic insecurity and climate resilience.

Affordable Housing: Significant investments in affordable housing and innovative programs to support homeownership and reduce homelessness.

COVID-19 Response: High vaccination rates and innovative public health initiatives to keep the community safe.

Expanding Youth Voting Rights

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1) Addressing gaps in healthcare access and affordability, including expanding coverage options, lowering prescription drug costs, and improving healthcare outcomes for marginalized communities by investing by investing in community health centers, increasing funding for programs that address social determinants of health, and promoting cultural competency training for healthcare providers.

2) Investing in Infrastructure: Addressing the nation’s aging infrastructure by funding projects to repair roads and bridges and enhancing our public transportation systems. At the same time, updating our infrastructure to protect against flooding from climate change that’s threatening lives and livelihoods. This includes building and upgrading flood de

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

n/a

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Several characteristics and principles are crucial for an elected official to effectively serve their constituents and uphold democratic values. Here are some of the most important ones:

Integrity**

Accountability**

Commitment to the Common Good**

Leadership**

Respect for the Rule of Law**

Openness to Dialogue and Collaboration**

Commitment to Justice and Equality**

Pragmatism and Evidence-Based Decision Making**

Communication Skills**

Long-Term Vision and Sustainability**

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of someone elected to public office can vary depending on the level of government (local, state, national) and the specific role they hold (legislator, executive, etc.). However, there are several fundamental responsibilities that generally apply to elected officials across different contexts:

1Representation: Elected officials are primarily responsible for representing the interests, concerns, and values of their constituents.

Legislation and Policy Making

Oversight and Governance: Elected officials are responsible for overseeing the implementation of laws and policies, ensuring that government agencies and officials act in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

Constituent Services: Elected officials have a duty to assist constituents with navigating government services, addressing individual concerns, and connecting them with resources and support.

Budget and Financial Management

Community Engagement and Communication: Elected officials should engage with the community through town halls, public meetings, and other forums to hear directly from constituents, explain their positions, and gather feedback.

Ethical Conduct and Accountability

Leadership and Decision Making

Promotion of Public Interest

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave behind a legacy of compassion, commitment, and courage.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was working as a Future Business Leader at age 15 at Newark Public Schools. I had the job throughout High School & College.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Members of the House of Representatives, while the lower chamber, make up more than four times the size of the upper chamber. Being one of more than 400 members responsible for constituents who have the ability to choose whether those legislators return back to Washington every two years creates a high level of accountability for each member.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes. Understanding how laws are written, how funding is allocated, how coalitions are made and compromises are struck are all valuable skills for someone tasked with delivering results for hundreds of thousands of people. But far too often, those with access to the levers of power in our country use it to serve themselves instead of those they represent, and in that instance, experience is a detriment.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The country has a number of great challenges threatening the stability of our economy, our climate and environment, the safety of vulnerable groups and the ability of women to work with their doctors to make decisions about their health and their bodies. But all of those challenges in one way or another stem from efforts on the extreme right to erode our democracy. By stacking the courts with radical conservatives, gerrymandering to create impenetrable majorities in state legislatures, rolling back voting rights and employing violent rhetoric–not to mention actual violence during the Jan. 6 insurrection–the extreme right threatens to undermine our Constitution and our very way of life.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes. As I stated previously, a two-year term creates accountability for elected officials and gives voters a choice about whether they’ve been well-served in Washington, and if not, who they feel will better represent them.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I think term limits are a reasonable way to prevent any legislator or party from maintaining a monopoly on power. At the same time, I believe in the imperative of voters having the right to choose who represents them. These two things should always be balanced.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I plan to carry forth the spirit of both the late Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. and his father who preceded him in Congress as the first African American to represent New Jersey, the late Rep. Donald M. Payne, Sr. I also have great appreciation for the dedication and tenacity of the late Shirley Chisholm who became the first African American woman in the U.S. House of Representatives. As were they, I am deeply committed to fighting for policies that promote affordability, equity, and environmental sustainability that will create a brighter future where every voice is heard, every person is valued and every community thrives.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I've had the opportunity to listen too many residents across all three counties about their specific concern and each concern brought to my attention is memorable and impactful.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Both. No reasonable legislator expects to get everything they want in policy negotiations. The beauty of our representative democracy is that in a country of many viewpoints, all have a voice. That said, there are some issues on which we should not be malleable. I will always stand for protecting a woman’s right to choose, for every American to have access to the ballot box, and to live without fear of violence.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

My priorities will always lie in delivering results and resources for my constituents and in protecting the most vulnerable among us. This will not change based on how funds are allocated in Congress.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The House should use its investigative powers responsibly, judiciously and never as a function of political calculations or vendettas. Abuses of power should never be tolerated, without regard to party affiliation or ideology. That means members of the House should investigate any time there is a reasonable belief that government officials are involved in corrupt activities. It also means those same powers must not be weaponized against the minority party by the majority and should never be abused for any reason.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Local 32 BJ, Hotel Trades Union, Collective PAC, SEIU, Essex & Union Democratic Party, Payne Family, Mayors from Newark, East Orange, Orange, Roselle, & Irvington, Essex County Executive, Legislative Members from District 28 & 29th.

What committees interest you?

There are several committees that interest me. It would be a privilege to serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee where Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. served most recently. Terminal A at Newark Airport was recently rated among the best in the country, which is much in part to Rep. Payne’s leadership on infrastructure investment. We must remain committed to his vision and continue to invest in our roads, bridges, airport, railway, and port to achieve the most efficient network to facilitate the movement of goods and people.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

All levels of government should be financially transparent and equally held accountability.

Campaign website

McIver’s campaign website stated the following:

Why LaMonica?

Newark Council President LaMonica McIver has been championing the needs and aspirations of every resident of Newark’s Central Ward since she was elected as the youngest woman ever to Council in 2018, and now she’s committed to doing the same for all those who live and work in CD10. LaMonica is running to be the first Black woman to represent the district in Washington because she believes every individual deserves equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.

LaMonica knows far too many families are struggling to make ends meet, facing skyrocketing costs of food, housing, healthcare, and education. She also sees the devastating impact of climate change playing out throughout the district in the form of catastrophic flooding that is threatening lives, homes, and livelihoods. Too often, these challenges are treated as separate issues, but they are deeply interconnected and require comprehensive solutions, which LaMonica is ready to get to work on in Washington.

LaMonica is deeply committed to addressing the challenges of the district holistically. She will fight for policies that promote affordability, equity, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that no one is left behind. She will strive to build upon the solid foundation of great public serve set by Congressman Payne Sr. & Congressman Payne Jr. and create a brighter future for the district, one where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and every community thrives.

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—LaMonica McIver’s campaign website (2024)[6]

LaMonica McIver did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.