PARAMUS, NJ. June 12, 2025 — Congressman Josh Gottheimer addressed a group of supporters in Bergen County following the results of New Jersey’s Democratic primary election. “I just called Congresswoman Sherrill and offered my heartfelt congratulations – and I want to congratulate all of our Council Members, Assemblymembers, Commissioners, and local officials for their victories tonight,” he said.
Gottheimer cited one of his favorite quotes from Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who drew on Teddy Roosevelt: “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” He added, “That’s what my parents taught me – and what we’re trying to teach our kids. Right now, especially now, with what we are facing as a state and country, we need bold leaders and big ideas – those willing to enter the arena, even with the ‘dust, sweat, and blood.’”
“From day one, our campaign dared to strive and achieve greatly – to think big and take risks – we thought outside the box of today’s conventional Democrats,” he stated. “We developed new ideas and pushed them relentlessly… and we took on Trump and anyone who messed with Jersey families.” “We did it with boxing gloves on — and fought to the final bell. And, while, in the end, we all hoped for a different result, I’m so proud of the campaign we ran and of our incredible team. I feel taller than ever!”
He thanked supporters “from Lakewood to Warren County to Asbury Park to Teaneck,” and especially in his home county of Bergen, mentioning the support of local officials and party chairman Paul Juliano. “Through it all, we were tenacious and tough, and never compromised our problem-solving, commonsense approach, even when some pressured us to change course. We stayed true to our beliefs. We ran as the lower taxes, lower costs governor – and as a fighter for hardworking Jersey families – and we finished the campaign that way.”
“I still believe that’s what’s best for Jersey — and for the Democratic Party in our state and beyond,” he said. Recalling his time working for President Clinton, Gottheimer described the Democratic Party as a big tent that included working-class people. “Everyone mattered – and it showed in our results.” He emphasized, “Because if people can’t afford food, utility bills, rent or clothing for their kids, and stay safe at night, everything else took second place.”
“As Democrats, if we want to win big again, we need to get back to that commonsense approach. We must change direction – or they’ll keep whipping us.” Gottheimer said he will continue serving in Congress and intends to run again in 2026, after a short break. “I’ll never forget the faith you’ve put in me, and for the awesome responsibility you’ve given me – to look after everyone in the Fifth District.”
“I finish this particular chapter and look forward with my head held high. I’m incredibly grateful for the shot you gave me not just this year, and last November, when we won our fifth term in Congress, but back in 2016… I’ll never forget that the most important title I wear is dad and husband.”
He closed with: “I still believe that we live in the greatest country in the world, and that if we work together, as Americans, our best days will always be ahead of us. I’ll never stop daring to achieve greatly. I’ll always be in the arena, fighting for you. We still have a few rounds left!”
