NJDSC & Essex Chair LeRoy J. Jones, Jr. Endorses LaMonica McIver for Congress in New Jersey’s 10th District

WEST ORANGE, NJ – NJDSC and Essex Chair LeRoy J. Jones Jr., is releasing the following statement:

“Last week, we laid to rest my friend, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.  As I said in my eulogy, Congressman Payne was ‘the gentleman from the 10th congressional district’, with his colorful bow ties, pocket squares, and clever socks. But he was also a humble servant to the people of the 10th district. He was a quiet – but always fierce – fighter for our core Democratic values. He cared deeply about people, and about helping people achieve the best versions of themselves. And the work he did for Essex, for the 10th district, and for the nation, he did quietly and without ever seeking praise. He did the work because he cared. And he would want us to keep his legacy alive, to never quit, and to always keep doing the work.

Today, as Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee and the Essex County Democratic Committee, we continue to do the work. In that spirit, I endorse LaMonica McIver to succeed Donald Payne, Jr., as the Representative from the 10th Congressional District.

LaMonica is a passionate and dedicated public servant who has demonstrated her commitment to the people of Essex throughout her tenure on the Newark Council. She is a worthy successor to Congressman Payne, who we remember as a true progressive who fought for Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, racial justice, equal rights, reproductive freedom, public transportation, free college tuition, and affordable childcare, housing, and prescription drugs. LaMonica will no doubt continue and honor Congressman Payne’s legacy, but she will also establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in Congress.  I believe LaMonica will steer the path of her own destiny and will represent the people of the 10th congressional district with honor and integrity, and with the spirit of humility that Congressman Payne showed us.”