TRENTON, N.J. — Democratic Congressman Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey officially kicked off his anticipated gubernatorial campaign on Friday, vowing to address affordability issues within the state.
His declaration to run follows his recent victory for a fourth term in the House, representing a district in northern New Jersey. Gottheimer enters an already competitive field of candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
The announcement took place at a diner in Bergen County, a densely populated suburb that falls within his representation. He highlighted the significant tax burdens facing residents and echoed sentiments from the recent presidential election, centering his campaign around the need to reduce costs.
“I am running to be the lower taxes, lower costs governor,” he declared. “Life in Jersey has become too damn expensive.”
With the current Democratic Governor Phil Murphy’s term concluding next year, and his inability to seek reelection due to term limits, the race is wide open for new candidates.
In addition to Gottheimer, other contenders for the Democratic nomination include Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, the president of the teachers union Sean Spiller, and former Senate President Steve Sweeney.
The Republican side is also gearing up, with state Senator Jon Bramnick, former state legislator Jack Ciattarelli, ex-state Senator Ed Durr, and radio personality Bill Spadea among those declaring their intentions to run.
Gottheimer, who previously served as a speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and as an advisor to the FCC chair, first made his mark by defeating conservative Republican Scott Garrett in 2016. He has since established himself as a moderate voice in Congress, co-leading the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus alongside Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania. Additionally, he is recognized for his extensive fundraising efforts.
Next year, New Jersey and Virginia stand as the only states holding gubernatorial elections.