New Jersey Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer announced Friday that he will seek to become the Garden State’s next governor, entering what is expected to be a crowded Democratic primary.
Gottheimer has represented New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District since 2017.
Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, is expected to enter the race, along with several Democrats who are unable to run due to term limits, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, among others.
In campaign launch videoGottheimer acknowledged that he shares similar goals with other Democrats running for governor, including taking on the incoming Donald Trump administration on “key issues.”
“From health care to the environment to gun safety, every candidate shares the same goals, and on abortion rights we will all stand up to Trump as extremist attacks on women’s health,” she said.
But one of the distinguishing features of his campaign, Gottheimer said, is his “laser focus on the need to lower your taxes and lower your spending.”
Gottheimer’s sister was featured in the campaign’s promotional video, and she said her brother was “always a go-getter and a problem-solver.”
The video also featured Mary Frances Berry, an author and activist who served on the US Civil Rights Commission from 1980 to 2004, and a longtime Gottheimer caller. mentor.
“He stands up for what he believes in and you can count on him to deliver,” Berry said in a campaign video.
DN.J., who has served with Gottheimer since 2019. Mikie Sherrill is another name being tossed around the state as a potential contender in next year’s race.
A spokesman for the congressional campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.