New Jersey Now Has 3 Congresswomen – For The First Time Ever

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey recently made history for itself when its newest member of the U.S. House of Representatives was sworn in for duty: LaMonica McIver.

According to the Center for American Women and Politics, the state is now represented by three women in Congress for the first time in its history: McIver in the 10th District, Mikie Sherrill in the 11th District and Bonnie Watson Coleman in the 12th District.

McIver, a Newark native who recently served as the city council president, triumphed in a special election held on Sept. 18 to replace the late Rep. Donald Payne Jr.

Residents of New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District had been left without a voice in the House following Payne's death in April. The district includes municipalities in Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Read More: Mourning Continues For NJ Congressman With ‘Big Heart’

McIver will serve out the remainder of Payne’s unexpired term, which runs out at the end of the year. Voters will cast ballots for the seat again on Nov. 5, when they decide who will serve out a fresh term.

The 10th District includes the following municipalities: Caldwell, East Orange, Essex Fells, Irvington, Montclair (part), Newark (part), Orange, Verona, West Orange in Essex County; Jersey City (part) in Hudson County; Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden (part), Roselle, Roselle Park, Union Township in Union County.

McIver also notched another trailblazing distinction when she was sworn in Monday night in Washington D.C., becoming the first Black woman to represent the 10th District – and the second to represent New Jersey.

“While I walk in the footsteps of those who came before me, it is my hope to blaze new trails together on the march toward fully realizing the promise of our great American nation,” McIver said.

• See Related: McIver Steps Down As Newark Council President, Continues Congress Bid
• See Related: Newark Op-Ed: Let’s Ignite Voter Turnout, Councilwoman Says

FUTURE CONGRESSWOMEN IN NJ?

New Jersey may welcome its fourth and fifth Congresswomen to these ranks if state Sen. Nellie Pou and longtime activist Susan Altman emerge victorious in the 7th and 9th Districts this November.

Pou coincidentally is running to replace another U.S. congress member who died this year: Bill Pascrell Jr.

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