The 20,000-member New Jersey State Council of Machinists will back Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) for governor if he runs next year in another signal that labor unions are split between multiple candidates in the 2025 Democratic primary to replace term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy.
“Josh Gottheimer is the best choice to be our next governor,” said Cristino Vilorio, the union president. “He helped write, negotiate, and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and has been a strong and consistent fighter for good-paying union jobs and economic growth in Jersey.”
Vilorio said the “hardworking men and women we represent know that Josh has always been with us, getting our backs- and we’re ready to stand with him.”
“With such a strong record supporting us, the choice is simple,” said Vilorio. “We’re encouraging him to run for governor; if he does, we’ll be with him.”
Last week, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 said it would also back Gottheimer. Former Senate President Steve Sweeney has the support of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) will have the making of the Laborers International Union of North America if she enters the race. Former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller will have the New Jersey Education Association, which he runs, and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop has the Amalgamated Transit Union, along with Teamsters and AFSCME locals.
“I’m beyond grateful to have the support and confidence of the hardworking men and women from the New Jersey State Council of Machinists. Jersey couldn’t operate without then,” said Gottheimer, who is currently seeking his fifth term as a congressman from New Jersey’s 5th district. “Cristino is a phenomenal leader and friend. I’ll keep working with him and labor to make Jersey even stronger.”
The State Council of Machinists is part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO.
Gottheimer was a Clinton White House speechwriter and held private sector positions before ousting seven-term Rep. Scott Garrett (R-Wantage) in 2016.