U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Gottheimer

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has endorsed a Democratic congressman from New Jersey for re-election, making Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) among the few Members of Congress to score endorsements from the nation’s largest business organization and the New Jersey AFL-CIO, the largest federation of labor union.

“Through Congressman Gottheimer’s instrumental leadership, the bipartisan infrastructure bill was signed into law, providing residents of New Jersey’s 5th district with much needed improvements in not only their roads and bridges, but also in their water, infrastructure, and broadband,” said Stephen McAllister, the chamber’s eastern region vice president.

McAllister joined Fort lee Chamber of Commerce Interim Executive Director Lauren Zisa and local business leaders and elected officials for an endorsement announcement at the Sunmerry Bakery Café in Fort Lee.

“Gottheimer understands the challenges and economic needs facing job creators, the workforce, and families in New Jersey,” McAllister said.  “He is committed to supporting free enterprise and the American business community through pro-growth solutions.”

Gottheimer, a centrist who co-chairs the House Problem Solvers Caucus, has forged a longtime relationship with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“As long as I’m in Congress, I won’t stop advocating for bipartisan, commonsense solutions to lowering taxes, cutting red tape, investing to fix crumbling infrastructure, like we did with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, standing up for workers, and clawing more of the tax dollars we sent to Washington back to New Jersey,” he said.

When Gottheimer challenged seven-term Rep. Scott Garrett (R-Wantage) in 2016, the business  group sat the race out.  They had given Garrett a poor rating on pro-business votes, and criticized his opposition to funding the Export-Import Bank, which guarantees loans for American business doing business in foreign countries.

After President Donald Trump nominated Garrett to head the Export-Import Bank in 2017, the Chamber of Commerce played a major role in torpedoing his nomination.  Garrett withdrew after it became clear that the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate would not confirm him.

Gottheimer secured the group’s endorsements when he sought re-election in 2018 and 2020.  He is facing a rematch with his opponent of two years ago, former investment banker Frank Pallotta.

Since his election to Congress, Gottheimer has twice won the chamber’s Jefferson-Hamilton Award for bipartisanship.

“I’m working hard every day to reward innovation, promote entrepreneurship and support the small businesses that choose to invest here in North Jersey,” said Gottheimer.  “Whether it’s fighting for the small businesses and workers that have been pillars of our communities for decades, or empowering entrepreneurs who whole the next big ideas to drive our economic future, I’m proud of my record working across the aisle for stronger pro-growth, pro-jobs policies.”