Today is Election Day in the Tenth Congressional District, where primary voters in a special election head to the polls from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This special election will fill the vacancy left by Donald Payne Jr. (D), who died on April 24. The general election will occur on September 18.
It’s a large field in the Democratic Party Primary in New Jersey’s most Democratic district: Derek Armstead of Linwood, Brittany Claybrooks of East Orange, John Flora of Asbury, Darryl Godfrey of Newark, Alberta Gordon of Newark, Eugene Mazo of Newark, Lamonica McIver of Newark, Shana Melius of Secaucus, Sheila Montague of Newark, Debra Salters of Newark, and Jerry Walker of Jersey City.
On the Republican side, Carmen Bucco of Kenilworth is running.
The Council President of the Newark City Council, McIver is the favorite in part based on the support she has from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and the Baraka organization, and the Essex County Democratic Committee. McIver also has a reputation as an active grassroots representative in Newark’s Central Ward.
The candidates vying for the seat have the considerable task of succeeding the late Congressman Payne, a measured and dignified representative, who nearly three months after his death seems almost like someone from the deep past, compared to the political America of this precise moment.
According to Ballotpedia, “As of the 2020 Census, New Jersey representatives represented an average of 774,541 residents. After the 2010 Census, each member represented 733,958 residents.”
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As the 2022 midterm elections approach, candidates are gearing up to compete for the opportunity to succeed Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District. The race for this seat has become a flashpoint in the state’s political landscape, with several contenders vying for the chance to represent the diverse and dynamic district.
Congressman Payne, Jr. has represented CD-10 since 2012, following in the footsteps of his father, the late Congressman Donald Payne, Sr. Throughout his tenure, Payne, Jr. has been a vocal advocate for issues such as healthcare, education, and economic development. His departure from Congress has created an opening for a new leader to step in and continue his work on behalf of the district’s residents.
One of the frontrunners in the race is Shavonda Sumter, a state assemblywoman who has gained recognition for her work on healthcare and social justice issues. Sumter has a strong base of support in the district and has been endorsed by several prominent political figures. She is positioning herself as a progressive candidate who will fight for the needs of all CD-10 residents.
Another contender is John Currie, the chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. Currie has deep roots in the district and has been involved in local politics for decades. He is emphasizing his experience and connections within the party as key assets that will enable him to effectively represent CD-10 in Congress.
Rounding out the field are several other candidates, each bringing their own unique perspectives and priorities to the race. The competition is expected to be fierce, with candidates working hard to differentiate themselves and appeal to voters in the district.
The outcome of the race for CD-10 will have far-reaching implications for the residents of the district and beyond. The next representative will have the opportunity to shape policy on issues ranging from healthcare and education to infrastructure and economic development. Voters will have an important decision to make as they consider which candidate is best equipped to lead CD-10 into the future.
As the campaign heats up, candidates will be crisscrossing the district, attending events, meeting with voters, and making their case for why they deserve to succeed Congressman Payne, Jr. The race for CD-10 is sure to be one to watch as the 2022 election season unfolds.
