Three prominent West Orange Democratic officials today called on Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) to seek the Democratic nomination for Governor of New Jersey in 2025, and pledged to support him if he does.
The endorsements of Mayor Susan McCartney, former Mayor Robert Parisi, and Deputy Mayor Rodolfo Rodriguez came one day after another likely candidate, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), appeared to lock down support from Democratic county chairs in Essex, Middlesex, and Passaic.
West Orange is the fifth-largest municipality in Essex County, and one with a consistently high voter turnout in recent elections; for example, the town cast twice as many votes two years ago as Irvington, which has nearly 8,000 more people. Sherrill had represented parts of West Orange during her first four years in Congress, though the town is now fully in Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-Newark)’s district.
“As elected officials and leaders in our communities, we know that Josh Gottheimer is the right choice to be our next Governor. Josh has a long and remarkable record of getting things done for Jersey,” McCartney, Parisi, and Rodriguez said. “As Governor, we know that Josh will work not only for West Orange but for every single family in New Jersey, just as he’s done in Congress.”
The three praised the North Caldwell native for his work protecting “Jersey Values,” including gun safety legislation, and support for small businesses, first responders, lower taxes, and affordable child care.
“He is all about fighting for Jersey. It’s time he represents all of us as our next governor, and we’ll be proud to stand with him,” the West Orange Democrats said. “Josh is the right person to get the job done. He is all about fighting for Jersey.”
While Sherrill will almost certainly have the support of the Essex County Democratic organization — she has Democratic State Chairman LeRoy Jones, Jr. and County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, Jr. in her corner — she has other candidates besides Gottheimer competing with her for Essex: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, the New Jersey Education Association president. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, meanwhile, has the endorsement of South Orange Village President Sheena Collum.
McCartney is one of five women mayors in Essex County.