Joint Congressional District 10 Convention Endorses LaMonica McIver as Democratic Candidate.

Newark, NJ – July 18, 2024 – The Joint Congressional District 10 Convention took place on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the Donald Payne Sr. School of Technology in Newark, NJ. The convention, which included the Essex County Democratic Committee Inc., the Hudson County Democratic Organization Inc., and the Union County Democratic Committee Inc., was a significant event in the district’s political landscape.

Chairman Leroy Jones opened the convention by expressing gratitude to all attendees for their presence and participation. Following the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence was observed, and Chairman Jones delivered his welcoming remarks. Senate President Nicolas Scutari also addressed the convention, offering welcoming remarks on behalf of Union County.

Chairman Jones acknowledged the absence of Essex County Executive Joseph Divincenzo and Chairman Greg Guy, who were unable to attend due to a family emergency. Representing the Hudson County Democratic Organization, County Commissioner and Vice Chair Marielka Diaz conveyed the chairman’s message.

A solemn moment of silence was observed in honor of Congressman Donald Payne Jr., whose seat the convention aimed to fill on the Democratic ballot. Chairman Jones emphasized Congressman Payne’s dedication as a public servant, his role as a devoted father and husband, and his unwavering advocacy for the people of the 10th Congressional District.

To ensure the smooth proceedings of the convention, the chairs of Essex, Hudson, and Union County appointed Raj Parikh, General Counsel to the State Committee, as the parliamentarian. Mr. Parikh confirmed that proper notice of the meeting had been circulated, and a quorum was present to proceed with the convention.

Chairman Jones, along with Nicolas Scutari and Vice Chair Marielka, appointed Mayor Tony Vauss of Irvington, New Jersey, as the Chair Pro Tempore. Mayor Vauss expressed gratitude for the honor and delivered warm remarks about the late Congressman Donald Payne, highlighting the convention’s significance being held at the Donald Payne Sr. School of Technology, named after his father. He expressed admiration for the dedication and commitment of the Payne family and considered it an honor and privilege to have known them.

Following Mayor Vauss’s remarks, the convention moved forward with the agenda, which included nominations for the Democratic candidate to replace Congressman Payne. The names put forward for nomination were Derek Armstead, John Flora, LaMonica McIver, Shana Melius, Sheila Montague, Craig Stanley, and Jerry Walker.

The convention concluded with an overwhelming victory for LaMonica McIver, who received the endorsement as the Democratic candidate for the 10th Congressional District.