State Sen. Gordon Johnson (D-Englewood) wants Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) to become the next governor of New Jersey.
“There is no one better suited to lead New Jersey into the next chapter. I hope that Josh runs, so that people across the state will learn what we know in Bergen County – Josh works hard, he cares, and he gets the job done,” said Johnson. “If Josh chooses to run for Governor, I’ll be proud to stand with him and support him.”
In 2016, Johnson was the first Bergen County legislator to endorse Phil Murphy for governor.
Gottheimer, now a candidate for a fifth term in Congress, is expected to announce his bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination later this year.
All ten municipalities in Johnson’s 37th legislative district overlap with New Jersey’s 5th congressional district, which Gottheimer represents.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Josh Gottheimer on a near-daily basis. We share many of the same constituents,” Johnson said. “I’ve seen how he operates up close — how he fights for our families, for affordability and lower taxes, for first responders, and for small businesses. We fought the Congestion Tax together, for more affordable health care, for clawing more money back to North Jersey for our families and communities.”
Johnson, a two-term state senator and 23-year veteran of the New Jersey Legislature, said that Gottheimer “is a problem solver who just gets stuff done.”
“He cares deeply about Jersey, and will work tirelessly to deliver for our families,” he said. “Josh knows that small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and that all families deserve good-paying jobs, so they can afford to live and work in New Jersey.”
Johnson becomes the seventh Democratic state senator to take sides in the governor’s race: John Burzichelli (D-Paulsboro), Paul Moriarty (D-Washington Township), Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Barrington), James Beach (D-Voorhees) and Troy Singleton (D-Delran) are backing former Senate President Steve Sweeney; Angela McKnight (D-Jersey City) has endorsed Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop; and John McKeon (D-West Orange) is supporting Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair).