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Josh Gottheimer

People · 1975–

Josh Gottheimer

New Jersey congressman and former White House speechwriter from a swing suburban seat.

Facts

Years
1975–
Category
People

From Grokipedia

Full article

Joshua S. Gottheimer (born March 8, 1975) is an American attorney, author, and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 5th congressional district since January 3, 2017. A Democrat representing a competitive district encompassing parts of Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties, Gottheimer emphasizes bipartisan problem-solving, economic growth, and national security in his legislative agenda.

Gottheimer graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree and earned a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, funding his legal education through scholarships and part-time work. Before entering elected office, he served as a speechwriter in the Clinton White House, advised presidential campaigns, and held senior roles in the private sector, including as managing director at Prudential Financial and director of Microsoft's Office of Public-Private Initiatives. In Congress, he co-founded and co-chaired the Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group aimed at bridging partisan divides on fiscal and policy issues, and has prioritized legislation supporting first responders, veterans, infrastructure investment, and regulatory relief for businesses. Gottheimer has also been a vocal advocate for strengthening U.S.-Israel relations and combating antisemitism, particularly in response to campus unrest and international events following October 7, 2023.

In brief

Josh Gottheimer wrote speeches in the Clinton White House while still young enough to be mistaken for a page. Campaigns, a communications firm, and corporate tours at Ford and Microsoft filled the years before a House race.

The 5th District is Bergen County traffic and Sussex County woods. He has kept it by talking like a moderate on purpose — a speechwriter who decided the job was to make the middle audible.

Josh Gottheimer
Wikimedia Commons

Hero photograph: Wikimedia Commons

Sources

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