Gottheimer launches bid for governor of New Jersey

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) announced Friday that after much anticipation, he will throw his hat in the race for New Jersey governor, joining an already crowded Democratic field to challenge term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy (D). to replace.

“Today I launch my campaign for Governor to cut your taxes, cut your costs and make Jersey affordable again. “I will help you and your family move forward, and I will do it while protecting our Jersey values,” Gottheimer wrote in a post on the social platform X.

Gottheimer was among those who considered making an offer; Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) is reportedly launching a gubernatorial bid next week, the New Jersey Globe reports.

Other candidates already running to replace Murphy include former New Jersey State Senate President Steve Sweeney (D), Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop (D), former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller (D), and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D).

Gottheimer represents the state’s 5th Congressional District, which stretches across New Jersey’s northern border and led President Biden by more than 12 points in 2020. He has been a member of Congress since 2017.

Speaking to supporters in South Hackensack, New Jersey, Gottheimer addressed economic and financial issues – an issue party members credit with helping Democrats survive a terrible 2024 election.

“The thing is, living in Jersey has become bloody expensive – we pay too much in taxes and too much just to live. It displaces job-creating companies and families and undermines our quality of life. Three hundred thousand people and numerous companies and jobs have left our state in recent years,” said Gottheimer.

Republicans who have filed for the governor’s race on the GOP side include former Rep. Jack Ciattarelli, state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former state Sen. Ed Durr and radio host Bill Spadea.

Republicans may be feeling encouraged about their chances of becoming governor of New Jersey after Vice President Harris won the Garden State by just single digits – nearly six points – in a state that should have been considered a reliable blue stronghold.

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