TO: Interested Parties
FROM: Chelsea Brossard, Campaign Manager, Gottheimer for Governor
RE: Campaign Launch & Updates
DATE: December 4, 2024

After an incredibly successful and well-received launch, we are heading into the next critical phase of our campaign, where we will continue to make the case for Josh across Jersey. I wanted to share some highlights from our first couple of weeks on the trail (see attached slides of the launch), and give you an inside take on our path to victory. Our focus remains laser-sharp: connecting directly with voters and tackling the issues that impact their daily lives. Here’s how we’re ensuring this strategy will help us win.

Campaign Launch: Josh is running as the “Lower Taxes, Lower Costs” Governor

When Josh launched his campaign at the Runway Diner in South Hackensack, he made a clear and bold promise to the people of New Jersey: he will be the “Lower Taxes, Lower Costs” Governor. Josh has a record as a real problem solver who can actually deliver results. This message is the driving force behind everything we do. Families across the state are struggling with affordability, from the cost of child care and food to state and local taxes, utility bills, housing, and health care.  

After the presidential election, one thing is abundantly clear – voters are worried about their pocketbooks. And since his first campaign for Congress, where his first lawns signs back in 2016 declared “Lower Tax. Jersey Values.” Josh never backed off that approach.

This central theme – “Lower Taxes, Lower Costs” – isn’t just a slogan. Josh has a long record.  Josh knows we can make Jersey more affordable while also living up to our values – ensuring safe communities, protecting choice, keeping our air and water clean. But first and foremost is lower costs and taxes. And Josh has a long record by actions – working to restore SALT, raising the Child Tax Credit, clawing dollars back to Jersey for new fire trucks and police, fixing our roads and bridges, and building the Gateway Train Tunnel. 

Josh’s first digital ad was about his work to kill New York’s outrageous Congestion Tax, andstanding strong as a leader in the fight to restore SALT.

Check out our launch video and some highlights (also below) from Josh’s launch speech! Josh’s daughter, Ellie, stole the show introducing him. 

Listening to Voters Across All 21 Counties

Right now, as part of his “21-County Diner Tour,” Josh is driving around the state speaking with and listening to families, understanding their concerns, and drinking an unhealthy amount of coffee. Josh has told me it’s been consistent in every diner – folks are worried about affording life. By meeting people where they are – at their local diners – we are strengthening the trust Josh has built over the years. 

Standing Up Against New York’s Congestion Tax

New York’s Congestion Tax is an attack on Jersey families and their pocketbooks – and voters know it. Josh stopped it once before and, despite the MTA’s attempts to bring it back, he’ll stop it again. Our strong opposition is resonating with working families who feel the financial strain. By amplifying this fight through our digital ad, we’re not only informing voters but also proving, once again, that we’ll stand up for them on the issues that directly hit their wallets.

Fighting for Lower Utility Prices

Over the last months, Josh has heard consistently from families about their skyrocketing utility bills. Just last week, New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities (BPU) announced a rate hike of 16 percent. That’s insane and will crush families, especially as they are dealing with higher prices on all fronts. Josh, as part of his years-long push for an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, will be calling for the BPU to reconsider their decision. Read more about it here.

Families Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

New Jersey will be hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It presents enormous economic opportunities for the state, but it’s going to cost Jersey $60 million or more to cover security. Josh has argued that this is a nationwide, top-tier event like the Superbowl and Jersey taxpayers should get help from the federal government to pay for it, and ensure local, state, and federal law enforcement have the resources they need to coordinate and protect visitors, athletes, and Jersey families. By taking proactive, solutions-driven steps, we’re showing voters that Josh not only identifies problems but leads on addressing them. Read more about it here.

Why This Matters for Victory

Every action we take is aimed at connecting with voters where they live, work, and face challenges. Whether it’s the diner tour, our opposition to the Congestion Tax, or higher utility prices, we are:

• Building trust by listening directly to voters and addressing their concerns head-on. This isn’t about a few party insiders, it’s about the hundreds of thousands of voters.

• Defining the narrative by focusing on real, tangible issues that affect daily life, rather than political hot air and double talk.

• Communicating our message with voters through timely digital ads that show Josh is fighting for them about the issues they care about. This is about concrete issues that affect their lives. 

Every diner stop, press conference, and ad shows voters that we’re not just running a campaign – we’re delivering results. This approach will help build the coalition we need to win.

None of this would be possible without your unwavering support. Every door we knock on, every ad we produce, and every mile Josh travels talking to folks is powered by you. Thank you for your support (and if you hadn’t had a chance to do so yet, or feel inspired to give more — you may do so HERE).

Onward,
Chelsea Brossard
Campaign Manager