Gottheimer’s unreal warchest approaches $16 million

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) had yet another colossal fundraising haul during the 3rd quarter of 2023, raising a total of $1,060,195. Gottheimer now has a campaign warchest of $15,839,860, which is larger than that of most U.S. senators.

Every quarter of 2023 thus far, Gottheimer, the Human Fundraising Machine, has raised at least $1 million.

When Gottheimer first won the 5th congressional district by unseating a Republican incumbent in 2016, the district was among the most competitive in the country. Under new lines put in place last year, however, the district was made far more Democratic, easing Gottheimer’s path to re-election.

In his 2022 race against Republican Frank Pallotta, Gottheimer spent just under $4 million – a small dent in his warchest – and won 55%-44%.

Republicans never had much hope of beating Gottheimer last year, and they have even less hope next year with a presidential race on the ballot. Gottheimer could spend no money between now and November 2024 and would almost certainly still win.

But the congressman is a possible candidate for governor in 2025, which may incentivize him to spend big in 2024 anyways to boost his name recognition and get a head start before what’s likely to be a highly competitive Democratic gubernatorial primary.

Gottheimer has also used some of his fundraising skills to aid Democrats around the state this year, which may help him build connections for a future campaign. Since the beginning of 2023, Gottheimer has directed $601,216 to other Democrats, though it’s not clear how much of that is money he helped others raise versus money that he raised himself before giving away.