Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) wasted no time labeling a potential Republican opponent who won the endorsement of Bergen County Republicans last night as an ultra-right extremist and a New Yorker he now calls “MAGA Mary.”
Mary Jo Guinchard, a former Mayor of Tuxedo Park, New York, won the Bergen County GOP convention last night to run for Congress in New Jersey’s 5th district.
“Meet MAGA Mary. She’s against a woman’s right to choose, and even opposes common sense red-flag laws that help stop those with mental health issues from owning a gun,” said Gottheimer. “MAGA Mary does not represent our Jersey Values.”
“Guinchard, who attends ‘pro-life’ anti-choice rallies, opposes commonsense gun safety laws that would actually save lives, stating that bipartisan “red flag” gun safety laws go too far in their efforts to reduce domestic violence,” said Ben Baitman, Gottheimer’s campaign manager. “These laws prevent individuals who exhibit behaviors that deem them a credible threat to others from purchasing or possessing firearms.”
Guinchard, a former actress, is making her third bid for public office in New Jersey. She lost a GOP primary for county commissioner in 2022 and then a general election for that office last year.
Last night, she defeated Paramus school board member George Song for the Republican organization line.
Gottheimer, the Human Fundraising Machine, has over $17 million banked as he seeks re-election to a fifth term.