Rep. Josh Gottheimer Announces Re-Election Campaign

TEANECK, NJ — Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5th) announced Friday his campaign for re-election to represent New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District.

Gottheimer, a Democrat, announced his re-election campaign in Teaneck Friday morning.

Gottheimer is a first-term congressman. A former Microsoft executive and speechwriter for President Bill Clinton, Gottheimer defeated then longtime incumbent Scott Garrett in 2016 in a long and often contentious election that saw both candidates lob personal attacks at one another.

“We knew then that it was time for change here in New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District. Change from Tea Party extremism that put partisan politics ahead of solving problems from the sensible center,” Gottheimer said in a statement. “Two years ago, you entrusted me with this enormous responsibility — to live up to my commitment of putting progress ahead of party, to work to solve problems by finding common ground instead of extremism on either side, and to stand up for lower taxes and Jersey Values — that’s what I’ve done and that is what I will keep doing — because it’s what you deserve and why you sent me to Washington.”

The 5th Congressional District includes parts of Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties. Most of the district's 647,000 residents, 75 percent, live in Bergen County.

Gottheimer has long advocated for Republicans and Democrats to work together to find solutions to both long- and short-term issues. He is a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.

Gottheimer voted against a proposed federal law that would allow people with concealed-carry permits in their home states to transport their guns into New Jersey and other states.

He also voted against the controversial Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The legislation axes the state and local tax deduction and is expected to have a big impact on how much New Jerseyans receive back from the federal government when they file their taxes.

Recently, Gottheimer announced legislation that would require all new school buses to have 3-point lap and shoulder seat belts and encourage innovative measures to ensure the seat belts are properly used. The announcement came days after a Paramus teacher and student were killed when their school bus collided with a dump truck on I-80 during a field trip.

Gottheimer, a father of two young children, has also made it a point to connect with his constituents, something he said Garrett failed to do. Gottheimer regularly meets with constituents over coffee at local diners and restaurants.

Related:

• Election Results: Josh Gottheimer Defeats Scott Garrett
• NJ Congressman, Senator Want Full Seat Belts On All School Buses
• Gottheimer Votes Against Tax Reform Bill

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Photo: Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5th) during his election campaign in 2016.