**Josh Gottheimer Announces Gubernatorial Run with Focus on Economic Reforms**

SOUTH HACKENSACK, New Jersey – On Friday, centrist House Democrat Josh Gottheimer officially announced his candidacy for governor, emphasizing his long-standing "Jersey roots" during the event at a local diner in his North Jersey district. Known for his prowess in fundraising and his electoral successes in challenging cycles, Gottheimer now seeks to extend his political influence to New Jersey's highest office.

Outlining his vision for the state, Gottheimer centered his campaign on four core proposals: reducing taxes, ensuring the government delivers value for money, creating job opportunities, and stimulating economic growth. Alongside these priorities, he pledged to protect reproductive rights, enhance the state's transit infrastructure, and support law enforcement. However, the crux of his platform is tackling the high costs of living in New Jersey, which boasts the nation's highest property taxes. "Living in Jersey has become too damn expensive. We pay too much in taxes, too much to live," Gottheimer asserted. "It's time for a reboot."

Gottheimer highlighted his track record of winning elections in a traditionally Republican-leaning district as proof of his broad appeal. Notably, in 2016 he triumphed over conservative incumbent Rep. Scott Garrett, who had maintained the seat for 14 years. Despite the district's shift towards a safer Democratic terrain post-2022 redistricting, Gottheimer's campaign faces a tough political landscape with a progressive base reshaping the Democratic Party's power structure.

During his eight-year tenure in Congress, Gottheimer has prioritized bipartisanship, co-founding the "Problem Solver's Caucus" aimed at fostering cooperation between moderate Democrats and Republicans. He underscored these bipartisan efforts during his announcement, vowing to bring the same approach to Trenton. "I'll be an active, get-it-done, problem-solving governor," he stated. "New ideas and endless energy are in my DNA."

Back in New Jersey, Gottheimer has been vocal against New York City's ambitious congestion pricing plan, celebrating its temporary halt by Governor Kathy Hochul due to potential electoral repercussions. He remains committed to opposing New York's revised congestion pricing effort.

While his congressional voting record largely aligns with Democratic positions, Gottheimer has diverged on key issues. A staunch supporter of Israel, he sided with Republicans on a bill to prevent the Biden administration from withholding certain weapons shipments to the nation. He also supported a controversial measure to revoke the nonprofit status of alleged terrorist-supporting organizations, a move that generated significant debate within his party.

Representing one of the wealthiest districts, Gottheimer has been a fervent advocate for restoring the State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT), which was capped during the Trump administration. His efforts included a temporary holdout on the Inflation Reduction Act due to its failure to address the SALT cap, a stance he eventually relented on.

Gottheimer's political journey began as a speechwriter in the Clinton White House, followed by a role at the Federal Communications Commission and a stint at Microsoft under Clinton adviser Mark Penn. Despite friction with progressive factions, Gottheimer has only faced one serious primary challenge, defeating Dr. Arati Kriebich by a substantial margin in 2020.

As he embarks on his gubernatorial campaign, Gottheimer faces a Democratic party in flux, especially following Senator-elect Andy Kim's successful challenge to the "county line" primary system. An ardent supporter of the traditional system, Gottheimer continues to back it, despite some party members' opposition.

In a political environment where financial resources play a pivotal role, Gottheimer enters the race as New Jersey's top congressional fundraiser, boasting a $20 million campaign war chest. Although these funds can't be directly transferred to his gubernatorial bid, his proven fundraising capability and the strategic use of his "Jumpstart Jersey" initiative underscore his readiness for the race ahead.