LaMonica R. McIver was born June 20, 1986, in Newark, New Jersey. She graduated from Central High School in 2004 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Bloomfield College in 2008. McIver received a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from Seton Hall University in 2011.

McIver worked for Newark Public Schools from 2006 to 2013 and served as personnel director for Montclair Public Schools and other districts. In 2012 she founded Newark G.A.L.S., Inc., a nonprofit organization mentoring young women. Prior to entering Congress she worked as public affairs manager for PSE&G.

McIver was elected to the Newark City Council representing the Central Ward in 2018, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to the council. She served as council president from 2022 to 2024. Following the death of Representative Donald Payne, Jr., in 2024, McIver won the special election to succeed him and was sworn into Congress on September 23, 2024. She was elected to a full term in November 2024, becoming the first Black woman to represent New Jersey’s 10th District.

Political Career

• Staff, Newark Public Schools (2006-2013)
• Member, Newark City Council, Central Ward (2018-2024)
• President, Newark City Council (2022-2024)
• U.S. Representative, NJ-10 (2024-present)

Key Policy Areas

• Environmental justice and climate change
• Affordable housing and economic development
• Education and youth development
• Immigration and detention oversight
• Public safety

Notable Actions / Initiatives

• Founded Newark G.A.L.S., Inc. in 2012, mentoring over 3,000 young women in leadership development
• Led efforts to replace 18,000 lead service lines in Newark’s water system while serving on the city council
• Indicted on federal charges in 2025 stemming from an incident at a Newark immigration detention facility; plead not guilty to charges of assaulting and impeding federal officers
• Served as Regional Public Affairs Manager for PSE&G before entering Congress

Education

• Central High School, Newark (2004)
• B.A., English Literature, Bloomfield College (2008)
• M.A., Educational Leadership and Policy, Seton Hall University (2011)

Personal

• Birth date: June 20, 1986
• Residence: Newark, New Jersey