Why vote Josh Gottheimer? New Jersey Democratic Gubernatorial Primary Heats Up

Here are some reasons New Jersey Jews should consider voting for Josh Gottheimer in the Democratic Gubernatorial Primary on June 10.

Gottheimer has a strong pro-Israel stance, consistently supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship. He has consistently referenced Israel as a critical ally in national security, stating that the relationship is vital because “terrorists hate the United States more than they hate Israel.”

He also voted for a $14.3 billion Israel aid package in Congress, one of only 12 House Democrats to do so, and co-sponsored bills to expand missile defense systems like Iron Dome and Arrow 3. He also introduced resolutions condemning the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, pushed for sanctions on the Palestinian Authority’s “pay-for-slay” program, and advocated for deeper U.S.-Israel cooperation in defense and health technologies.

His personal connection to Israel is evident in his advocacy for hostages, including his constituent Edan Alexander, only recently released by Hamas, with Gottheimer noting he keeps pictures of hostages outside his office to highlight their plight.

On antisemitism, Gottheimer has been a vocal advocate for the Jewish community, which is significant in New Jersey with 600,000 Jewish residents. He co-sponsored the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support in 2024, codifying the IHRA definition of antisemitism to guide federal anti-discrimination efforts.

He supports a similar state bill in New Jersey, which has divided the gubernatorial field, Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill back it, while Steve Fulop opposes it, citing free speech concerns.

Following the murder of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgram, two Israeli Embassy officials in Washington in May 2025, Gottheimer urged his rivals to pledge support for the IHRA bill, emphasizing that “no one should have to live in fear simply for being Jewish.”

He has also called out antisemitism on college campuses, demanding universities protect Jewish students, and condemned antisemitism from both the left and right, including Trump’s 2022 dinner with Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes.

Gottheimer’s campaign has actively courted Jewish voters, securing endorsements from influential groups like the Lakewood Vaad, a coalition of rabbis in one of the state’s largest Orthodox Jewish communities.The Vaad’s early endorsement, unusual for its timing, urged both Democrats and unaffiliated voters to support Gottheimer, potentially mobilizing 30,000 to 50,000 Jewish votes, a significant bloc in a low-turnout primary.

He has also gained support from other Jewish communities, including a Jersey Shore-based Sephardic Orthodox group, and has been endorsed by Safeguard Jewish South Jersey, whose co-founder David Bercovitch praised Gottheimer’s advocacy for Jewish issues. His deep ties to Bergen County, home to a large Jewish population, strengthen his appeal, as he won the county by 18.7 points in his 2024 congressional re-election.

Compared to his rivals, Gottheimer’s record on Israel and antisemitism stands out. Steve Fulop, another Jewish candidate, has drawn skepticism from some Jewish leaders for opposing the IHRA bill and for ties to anti-Israel figures, despite his progressive Jewish support. Ras Baraka’s late surge has alarmed Jewish leaders due to his past praise for Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam, though his positions on Jewish issues remain largely unclear.

Mikie Sherrill supports the IHRA bill but has been critical of Israel’s Gaza strategy, remaining seated during Netanyahu’s 2024 address to Congress, which may concern staunchly pro-Israel voters. Steve Sweeney has a solid record on Jewish issues, including anti-BDS legislation, but lacks Gottheimer’s vocal advocacy. Sean Spiller’s positions on antisemitism in schools have raised concerns among some Jewish voters.

Gottheimer’s broader platform also resonates with values often important to Jewish communities, such as bipartisanship and economic stability. As co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, he has a history of working across the aisle, which could appeal to moderate Jewish voters. His campaign focuses on lowering taxes and costs in New Jersey, a state with the nation’s highest property taxes, addressing affordability concerns that affect many Jewish families, especially in Bergen County. He has pledged to fight hate and bigotry as governor, stating he “won’t tolerate hate, bigotry, or discrimination against anyone in New Jersey,” a message that resonates amid a 30% rise in antisemitic incidents in the state since 2023, per a 2024 ADL report.

However, some might hesitate due to Gottheimer’s centrist positions, which have drawn criticism from progressive Jews. His support for the county line system, seen by some as undemocratic, and his strategic political maneuvers, like recruiting a lawyer to defend the Middlesex County Democratic Organization, may also alienate voters who value reform. Additionally, a recent poll shows him trailing with 11% support compared to Sherrill’s 28%, though 24% of Democratic voters remain undecided, leaving room for shifts.

For pro-Israel Jews prioritizing a candidate with a proven track record of supporting Israel, fighting antisemitism, and engaging deeply with the Jewish community, Gottheimer presents a compelling case in the NJ Democratic Gubernatorial Primary.

Note: Polls indicate a tight race, and voter turnout will be crucial. Check your registration status by May 20, 2025, and consider early voting (June 6-8).