Showcasing his fundraising prowess as he mulls a run for governor in 2025, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) raised $1,196,516 for Democratic candidates in 2023.
The Human Fundraising Machine boosted the coffers of Democrats seeking local, county, state, and federal office, along with municipal Democratic organizations across New Jersey.
Gottheimer also has $17 million in his campaign warchest as he prepares to seek re-election to a fifth term as the congressman from New Jersey’s 5th district.
Since announcing his bid to challenge seven-term Rep. Scott Garrett (R-Wantage) almost nine years ago, Gottheimer has raised more than $33.3 million as a candidate for Congress. On top of that, he raised over $5 million for other Democratic candidates in 2022, and $2.2 million in 2020.
“I’m proud to have doubled down on my efforts to help beat back extremism and help scores of commonsense Democrats across Jersey and at the federal level,” Gottheimer said. “Democrats won big in New Jersey in 2023. That being said, we have tough elections ahead of us in 2024, and we need to continue to support those who are making life more affordable, lowering taxes and the cost of child care, supporting first responders and veterans, fighting for clean air and water, and helping fix and improve our roads, bridges, and tunnels.”
Raising money for other Democrats has become part of the early audition process for potential gubernatorial candidates: Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) spent nearly $270,000 to help Democratic candidates up and down the state; Coalition for Progress, a super PAC allied with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, has been assisting Democratic contenders for the last few years; and former Senate President Steve Sweeny played a key fundraising role on behalf of South Jersey Democrats in 2023.
A former Clinton White House speechwriter, Gottheimer founded the House Problem Solvers Caucus, giving him a national profile and a seat on the Financial Services Committee. He’s emerged as a key advisor to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.