By Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Democratic Candidate For Governor
A few weeks ago, I woke up at the crack of dawn, like thousands of my neighbors, and made my way to downtown Tenafly, where a crowd began to gather, anxiously awaiting the news we had spent 584 days longing to hear: Edan was finally coming home.
At around noon, with the first glimpse of Edan’s freedom, cheers rang out in the crowd — Edan, who is believed to be the last living American hostage, was safely back in Israel.
That show of unity demonstrated how our community can overcome any obstacle put in our path. But, Edan’s freedom, the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship, and the fight against antisemitism won’t happen on its own. It takes strength and purpose, and the right leadership and values.
That’s why I’m running for Governor of New Jersey. Our state is at a critical crossroads.
In April, the Anti-Defamation League released new data that puts New Jersey in the top three states with the most antisemitic incidents in the country — more than 700 acts of harassment, vandalism and physical violence, including in our K-12 schools, on our college campuses, and in our synagogues and neighborhoods. That’s unacceptable, and as governor, I won’t stand for it.
We need to teach all of our children about the Holocaust and October 7, and not in a passing breath or from a new interpretation. We can’t allow Rutgers, our state university, with the second largest Jewish population in America, to be a hotbed of antisemitic activity. We must stop those who intimidate and protest in front of shuls and block Jews from praying in their own communities. The First Amendment doesn’t give protestors the absolute right to block others’ First Amendment rights to religious freedom.
While some candidates in this race pay lip service to the fight against antisemitism, or even worse, remain silent altogether, I have a clear, unwavering and unimpeachable record standing up for the Jewish community—working to support the U.S.-Israel relationship, combat antisemitism, to return all of the remaining hostages, and ensure Jewish Americans are never an afterthought in our state or country. I have stood up, used my voice and my position, to be heard. I’ve been attacked for it, but I don’t care. I was elected not to be a doormat, but to fight for New Jersey. Governors are leaders at home and around the nation — and I will continue to be, as I have in Congress.
These are the Jewish values that were passed down to me by my parents and grandparents — resilience, community, compassion for others, tikkun olam — and have always been my North Star, as a child, an adult and as a public servant.
In Congress, I’ve led the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act, which directs the Department of Education to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism when enforcing civil rights laws on college campuses. We must pass the same bill into law here in New Jersey, just like 38 other states have. This is key to reducing the harassment of Jewish students on college campuses, including at Rutgers, and in our neighborhoods.
I introduced the HEAL Act to promote best practices about Holocaust and October 7 education in public schools, and ensure future generations understand the consequences of unchecked hate.
I’ve also secured millions in nonprofit security grants to keep synagogues, yeshivas and religious community centers across my district safe — the most in the state.
As the frontline against terror and the only democracy in the Middle East, I believe Israel’s security is key to America’s national security. It’s why I’ve long championed military aid to Israel, stood up to conditions on that support, fought for military assistance, against BDS, and for missile defense systems like Iron Dome and the Arrow 3 program to protect Israeli civilians.
New Jersey needs a governor who not only understands these issues, but has lived them. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in Congress (and I know we’ll elect a great successor who will continue to fight for our values). I can and will do even more as governor. That’s why this election matters so deeply.
I’ll immediately revamp Holocaust education in our public schools, to ensure it’s happening and it’s rooted in history. I will get a version of the IHRA legislation I championed in Congress across the finish line here in New Jersey with Assemblyman Gary Schaer in my first 100 days. I’ll also fund security for synagogues and places of worship and make sure we have the necessary resources to monitor and respond to protests and threats.
I’ll hold Rutgers accountable if hate and antisemitism continue to spread freely on campus, stand up to the BDS movement, just as I’ve done in Congress, and promote a strong relationship with Israel, America’s unwavering ally.
Most of all, I will speak out. I will lead. I will not be cowed by those who want to excuse antisemitism or choose to turn a blind eye.
I’ll have the backs of our families, schools and communities. Too many folks are struggling with expensive housing, childcare, utility bills and religious school costs. Property taxes are way too high. That’s why I’m running as the “Lower Costs, Lower Taxes” governor. I’m the only candidate with a plan to cut taxes and bring down costs for families across our state. We must make Jersey more affordable.
Right now, you have a chance to elect a governor who will have your back, in good times and bad. You have a chance to send a message that we’ve had enough with antisemitism, enough with demonizing the Jewish state, and enough with the cowardice in standing up to those who traffic in both. But, only if we vote like never before. I need your support, and I need your vote.
Election Day is on June 10. Here is what many don’t know: Democrats and Independent voters can vote for me in the Democratic Primary. Please just ask for the Democratic ballot at your polling place.
I’d be grateful to have your support, and that of your friends, families and neighbors, to become Jersey’s first Jewish governor.
Let’s go win this, together.
