Rep. Josh Gottheimer has just been elected to his fifth term in Congress, but now he’s setting his sights on the Statehouse in Trenton. On Friday morning, Gottheimer confirmed what has long been rumored: He is running for governor of New Jersey.
He’s one of five declared candidates for the Democratic primary next spring. Here are a few things about him to help learn how he got here.
Got his start with Frank Lautenberg
Gottheimer got his start in politics at 16 while working as a page for the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg. He went on to hold internships at C-SPAN and with the secretary of the Senate and former House Speaker Tom Foley.
West Essex High School grad with Penn, Harvard Law degrees
He is a graduate of West Essex High School and holds a bachelor of arts degree in American history from the University of Pennsylvania. Gottheimer graduated from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor.
Worked for the Clintons and John Kerry
The congressman worked for three years, beginning at age 23, as a speechwriter in the Clinton administration. He went on to work for multiple presidential campaigns, including John Kerry’s 2004 bid and Hillary Clinton’s efforts in 2008.
Upset Scott Garrett in 2016
Gottheimer unseated Republican Rep. Scott Garrett in an upset in 2016. Garrett had held the seat for 14 years.
Calls Bergen County home
A father of two, Gottheimer, 49, lives in Wyckoff with his wife of nearly 20 years.
Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com
