Wildes federal account stands at $789k

Englewood mayor Michael Wildes, who has been eyeing a seat in Congress since Rep. Steve Rothman was viewed as a potential U.S. Senate candidate, is sitting on a federal campaign account worth $789,150.

Wildes, a prolific fundraiser who served as Melania Trump’s immigration attorney, returned to his old job as mayor in January after a nine-year absence.

His federal account grew by $5,279 in the first three months of 2019 on interest, dividends and gains realized on investments by his warchest.

Wildes formed his federal account in 2004 and continues to file detailed, almost invasive, personal financial disclosures with Congress every year.

There is no evidence that Wildes is planning to challenge Pascrell in the Democratic primary, but his warchest would make him a strong contender in the enormously unlikely event that Pascrell decides to retire.

Wildes could also emerge as a contender for the House seat currently occupied by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff), if redistricting in 2022 extends the 5th district into Englewood — either in a Democratic primary or for an open seat if Gottheimer tries to move up at some point.