On September 18, 2024, voters in New Jersey's 10th Congressional District are participating in a special election to fill the U.S. House seat left vacant by the passing of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. in April. This election highlights the ongoing process of maintaining representation in the 435-member House of Representatives, a legislative body that has been in existence since 1789.
The contest primarily features LaMonica McIver, the Democratic Newark City Council President, and Carmen Bucco, the Republican candidate. The 10th District, created in 1913, encompasses parts of Essex, Hudson, and Union counties and has historically leaned heavily Democratic. This election is particularly significant as it will determine who serves the remainder of Payne's term, concluding on January 3, 2025.
McIver, who has been on Newark's city council since 2018, secured the Democratic nomination in a competitive primary featuring 11 candidates. Her campaign has garnered support from key figures, including Payne's family and Sen. Cory Booker, who previously served as Newark's mayor. McIver's platform focuses on affordability, infrastructure improvements, and protecting abortion rights.
"In my short period of time campaigning, I spent a lot of time talking with different residents about their ability to afford to live."
Bucco, the Republican contender, emphasizes his background in the foster care system and his experience as a small business owner. His campaign priorities include supporting law enforcement and addressing corruption.
This special election occurs against a backdrop of political shifts in New Jersey. The state, which has had a Democratic governor since 2018, has seen recent challenges to its traditional "county line" primary system and the conviction of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez on federal bribery charges.
The outcome of this election will contribute to the representation of New Jersey's 12 congressional districts, where Democrats have held a majority since 2019. It's worth noting that as of 2022, only 13% of U.S. House members were Black, underscoring the importance of diverse representation in Congress.
Voter turnout for this special election may be lower than in regular elections, a common trend observed in such circumstances. However, the result will play a crucial role in shaping the district's representation until the next regular election cycle.