NEWARK, NJ — November 3, 2026 — Democratic U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver has won reelection in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger Carmen Bucco and securing another term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
New Jersey political journalist David Wildstein reported McIver’s victory on election night. The New York Post also reported that she had been reelected, with early returns showing a substantial lead over her Republican opponent.
The victory comes as McIver faces an ongoing federal criminal case stemming from a confrontation with immigration enforcement officers at Newark’s Delaney Hall detention facility in May 2025.
McIver Defeats Republican Challenger Carmen Bucco
McIver faced Bucco in a rematch of their 2024 congressional contest.
The district includes parts of Essex, Hudson, and Union counties, encompassing Newark and several surrounding communities.
Early election-night results reported by the New York Post showed McIver receiving approximately 86% of the vote, compared with around 13% for Bucco, with roughly one-third of ballots counted.
Those figures were preliminary and did not represent the final certified results.
From Newark City Hall to Congress
McIver previously served on Newark’s Municipal Council, where she represented the city’s Central Ward and later became council president.
She entered Congress in 2024 following the death of longtime Democratic Representative Donald Payne Jr.
After winning a special election, she subsequently secured a full term in the House.
Her latest election victory extends her congressional service and maintains Democratic representation in New Jersey’s 10th District.
Reelection Comes Amid Federal Criminal Case
McIver’s campaign unfolded against the backdrop of a federal prosecution connected to a May 2025 confrontation involving immigration officers at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark.
The incident occurred during a congressional oversight visit amid demonstrations outside the facility.
Federal prosecutors accused McIver of interfering with law enforcement officers during the confrontation.
McIver has denied wrongdoing and argued that the prosecution improperly targets activities undertaken as part of her congressional responsibilities.
The case has generated national attention and raised questions about the relationship between congressional oversight authority and federal immigration enforcement.
An appeals court allowed two charges to proceed while returning another issue for further consideration.
The criminal proceedings remain separate from the election result. McIver has not been convicted in connection with the allegations.
Immigration Enforcement Remains a Major Issue
Throughout 2026, immigration enforcement became a prominent political issue in New Jersey, particularly following disputes involving federal detention facilities.
McIver and other Democratic members of the state’s congressional delegation criticized aspects of the Trump administration’s immigration policies and called for greater oversight of detention conditions.
Republican critics challenged the conduct of elected officials during confrontations with immigration officers and defended the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
McIver’s reelection means she will continue representing her district as these national debates develop.
What Her Victory Means for New Jersey
The result keeps New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District under Democratic representation.
McIver’s victory also contributes to the nationwide results determining the composition of the next U.S. House of Representatives.
Although the race has been called, election officials must complete ballot counting and certification before the final figures become official.
For Newark and surrounding communities, the result means continuity in congressional representation during a period of heightened debate over immigration enforcement, affordability, healthcare, and federal government accountability.
McIver’s reelection marks another chapter in a congressional career that began in 2024, allowing her to continue serving New Jersey’s 10th District while her federal legal case remains unresolved.
Sources: David Wildstein – Election Night Announcement; New York Post – McIver Wins Reelection, November 3, 2026; New Jersey Division of Elections – Official 2026 Candidate List.
By NJ RADAR Team