Election profile: Special 10th Congressional District Election
The 10th Congressional District encompasses parts of Essex County, Jersey City in Hudson County and Union County. The Essex municipalities are Caldwell, East Orange, Essex Fells, Irvington, Orange, Verona, West Orange and parts of Montclair and Newark. The Union County communities are Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Roselle, Roselle Park, Union Township and part of Linden.
This district remains the bluest in the state following last year’s redistricting. The voter registration split is 54% Democrats, 8% Republicans and most of the rest are unaffiliated.
This is a special election to fill the remainder of the term of incumbent, Democrat Donald Payne Jr., who died April 24 following more than a decade in Congress.
A special July primary drew a large field of Democrats, with Newark Councilwoman LaMonica McIver emerging victorious. There was no contest for the Republican primary and Carmen Bucco is the GOP candidate. Two independents are also on the ballot: Russell A. Jenkins of Maplewood, whose slogan is “One for all …”, and Rayfield Morton of Orange, running under the banner “Creating real progress.”
NJ Spotlight News invited the major party candidates to discuss issues as part of our Election Exchange podcasts. Find McIver’s responses here and Bucco’s here.
Editor’s note: Click on a candidate to see who responded to the NJ Decides 2024 voting guide Q&As and any answers provided. Find more information about the project, including the full text of the questions, here.
The candidates
Age: 37 Hometown: Newark Occupation: City council president Personal background: Hailing from the heart of Newark’s Central Ward, LaMonica McIver emerges as a formidable national voice dedicated to nurturing communities and empowering the next generation. A proud product of the Newark educational system, esteemed mentors like Mildred Crump and Ras Baraka to name a few ignited her passion for public service during her foundational years. LaMonica’s foray into politics began precociously at just 13, mobilizing youth and underscoring the power of civic participation. This early immersion, combined with her academic achievements – an English Literature degree from Bloomfield College and a master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy from Seton Hall University – set her on a path that seamlessly blended education and governance. Her distinguished tenure in the educational sector, notably as Personnel Director for Montclair Public Schools, is a testament to her leadership. LaMonica’s rise from a Future Business Leader for Newark Public Schools to pivotal HR roles across various public school districts showcases her adaptability, vision, and unparalleled commitment to institutional growth; to now serving as a Public Affairs Manager. LaMonica’s role in the political arena, particularly as the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark Municipal Council in 2018 to serving as Council President, breaks barriers and redefines possibilities—her unwavering mission: to champion the needs and aspirations of every Central Ward resident. Her journey from a young Newark girl with a dream to a national thought leader positions LaMonica McIver as a shining exemplar of dedication, empowerment, and transformative leadership. Political background: 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. Reason for running: As Newark Council President, I have been championing the needs and aspirations of every resident of Newark’s Central Ward since elected as the youngest woman ever to Council in 2018, and now I’m committed to doing the same for all those who live and work in CD10. I’m running to be the first Black woman to represent the district in Washington because I believe every individual deserves equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. I know far too many families are struggling to make ends meet, facing skyrocketing costs of food, housing, healthcare, and education. I also see 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 I am ready to get to work on in Washington. I am deeply committed to addressing the challenges of the district holistically. I will fight for policies that promote affordability, equity, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that no one is left behind. I 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. Biggest issue: Determining the single biggest issue in any election can be complex and subjective. However, there are quite a few issues that are big to me in this election. If I had to choose one it would be economic recovery and affordability. The economic fallout from the pandemic, including job losses, business closures, and financial insecurity, remains a pressing concern for many in the CD 10. On the federal government’s role in women’s reproductive health: The role of the federal government in regulating women’s reproductive health, including birth control, abortion, and in vitro fertilization (IVF), is a subject of ongoing debate and often reflects political and ideological divides. However, I believe the federal government role is to protect women’s reproductive rights. The federal government can establish regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety and efficacy of reproductive health services and technologies, including birth control methods and IVF procedures. On the U.S. transition to clean energy: Transitioning the country to clean energy requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort from the federal government, working in collaboration with state and local governments, private industry, and the public. Here are some suggestions the federal government should take to facilitate this transition: By considering these suggestions, the federal government can help accelerate the transition to clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate the impacts of climate change while also creating economic opportunities and improving public health and environmental quality. On ensuring free and fair elections and the transition of power: Ensuring free and fair elections and facilitating a smooth transition of power are fundamental principles of democracy. There are several measures that can help uphold these principles: By implementing these measures and upholding democratic principles, we can ensure that elections are free, fair, and credible, and that transitions of power occur smoothly and peacefully. On the U.S. role in foreign conflicts: The United States should play a significant role in addressing foreign conflicts and promoting peace and stability around the world. In conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza, the U.S. has taken various actions, including providing aid and other support, diplomatic efforts, and multilateral engagement. Here are some considerations for the U.S. role in these conflicts: Overall, the U.S. role in foreign conflicts like those in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza should be guided by a commitment to promoting peace, protecting human rights, and addressing the root causes of conflict while respecting the sovereignty and agency of affected countries and communities.
Age: 51 Hometown: Kenilworth Occupation: Business Owner Personal background: My name is Carmen Bucco, a small business owner and founder of Bucco’s Rising Stars Foundation As a product of the foster care system, at times living on the streets. I had to overcome what a lot of foster children did growing up. I ran into a situation where I had to make a life altering decision. Either I would become a statistic or a part of society. With the help of some friends, I started to overcome many challenges that faced me. I knew it would not be easy, but it has led me to where I am today. I knew it was important to have perseverance, discipline, and intense focus to be someone and build something I would be proud of. Now today I am so proud to say I am living the American Dream while showing our young people that anything can happen if you work hard and follow your dreams. They create their own destiny. I feel my background and business mindset give me the ability to negotiate and work with others no matter what the issue is and come together to find common ground and the attitude that failure should never be an option. I believe with these qualities I could be that candidate to help move our party in a forward direction. I am running for office because there is a lot of work that needs to be done and I believe we can always do better for the public. There is always an uphill battle and a congressman must be able to work with others, no matter the party. By doing this, so much can be done to benefit all our communities. Political background: For over 20 years I have been involved in the political process. I am an active member of the Republican Committee of Kenilworth. I have worked on many campaigns and have run for multiple positions such as Commissioner, State Senate and now Congress. I also was an elected official for the Board of Education in Belleville. Reason for running: I’m seeking candidacy because the current establishment has proven inept at addressing our nation’s challenges. We require dedicated individuals who genuinely care about the United States. I’m prepared to take on the responsibility and contribute to lifting our nation from its current predicament. Biggest issue: Several significant concerns facing our nation include illegal immigration, the soaring cost of living, and the rampant crime rate. Neglecting to address these issues could jeopardize the future of the United States as the exceptional nation it has been known to be. On the federal government’s role in women’s reproductive health: Decisions regarding women’s reproductive health, encompassing matters like birth control, abortion, and IVF, ought to be within the purview of individual states. I firmly advocate for the federal government to refrain from involvement in such matters. Given the diverse population and local cultural differences across states, this should rightfully be a state prerogative. The federal government’s track record in handling this issue has been inadequate, and I lack confidence in its ability to effectively address it. On the U.S. transition to clean energy: Shifting toward clean energy is a lengthy endeavor, encompassing various measures like research and development, education and training initiatives, and providing assistance to affected communities and workers. However, it’s imperative that this transition isn’t shouldered solely by taxpayers because they will not be able to pay for that clean energy and all the efforts could backfire. On ensuring free and fair elections and the transition of power: In order to uphold the integrity of elections and facilitate a seamless transition of power, it’s essential to implement voter ID requirements. Additionally, eliminating drop boxes and restricting mail-in ballots to the sick, elderly, and active-duty troops can help maintain transparency. Furthermore, designating election day as a national paid holiday and mandating that companies compensate employees who provide proof of voting would encourage voter turnout. On the U.S. role in foreign conflicts: Regarding providing aid and support in foreign conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza, my perspective is that while it’s important to assist our allies, the United States cannot bear the entire burden alone. Persisting in this approach would lead to excessive spending and over taxation of our citizens, ultimately jeopardizing our ability to sustain such assistance. We risk leaving our friends and neighbors vulnerable if we continue down this unsustainable path.
Hometown: Orange 
Hometown: Maplewood