Six prominent Hispanic leaders have promised to back Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) if he seeks the Democratic nomination for governor next year, endorsements that come one week after Donald Trump made substantial inroads with Hispanic voters nationally and in New Jersey.
Gottheimer, re-elected to his fifth term in Congress on November 5, hopes that the backing of the grassroots doyens demonstrates his ability to intercept and reconnect with voters who were considered part of the Democratic Party’s base vote in past elections.
The six are: Lucilo Santos of the Dominican American Council of New Jersey; Norberto Curitumai of the Peruvian American Coalition of New Jersey; Ken Seda of the Puerto Rican Civic Association of Central and Southern New Jersey; George Castro of the Hispanic American Political Action Committee, Tony Villalobos of the Salvadorian Leadership; and Consuelo Carpenter of the Latino American Democratic Association of New Jersey (LADA).
“Josh Gottheimer embodies the spirit of New Jersey. Our State needs a comprehensive approach to retain and attract families,” said Seda. “He understands that to jumpstart New Jersey’s growth, we must lower taxes and costs for families and small businesses.”
Santos said that Gottheimer “has consistently reflected the values of our community.”
“His commitment to expanding opportunities for families, as well as his dedication to public safety, lower taxes, common sense gun safety and more affordable childcare aligns with our vision for the future of New Jersey,” he stated.
Castro trumpeted Gottheimer’s “comprehensive approach to lowering taxes, investing in job training, and improving infrastructure is exactly what we need to attract and retain families in our state.”
“By fostering a vibrant and welcoming environment for businesses and residents, he is poised to lead New Jersey into a prosperous future,” said Castro.
Hispanics make up over 21% of New Jersey’s population.
In September, the 500-member New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers called on Gottheimer to run for governor and said they would endorse him if he did. Passaic Mayor Hector Lora, whose largely Hispanic and Orthodox Jewish city went for Trump, endorsed Gottheimer for Congress.
Gottheimer ousted a seven-term Republican congressman in 2016, winning a district carried by Donald Trump. He won last week by eleven percentage points. He is expected to launch a bid for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
See here for a full list of endorsements in New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial contest.