HACKENSACK, NJ – Congressman Josh Gottheimer delivered the following remarks on Election Night to a group of supporters in Bergen County. 

CONGRESSMAN JOSH GOTTHEIMER

REMARKS ON ELECTION NIGHT, AS DRAFTED

PARAMUS, NJ

June 10, 2025

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. 

One of my favorite quotes is from the late, great Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who drew on Teddy Roosevelt, when he said that only those “who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”  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.  

We developed new ideas and pushed them relentlessly – ideas that would make our great state even greater, that would grow it, and help those struggling to get by – 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!

I’m so grateful to the scores of friends and supporters who stood with us all along the way, from Lakewood to Warren County to Asbury Park to Teaneck, and especially here in my home County with all the elected officials and our phenomenal Chairman Paul Juliano.  A big shout out to the Josh4Jersey Team, led by our fearless leader, Chelsea, with Mike, Jef, Bill, Daniel, Tim, Ed, Roy, Eric, Cheryl, Dan, Peter, Maggie, Dean, Eddie, Andrew, Avery, Tzvi, Wendy, Carissa, Sylvia, Blitzer, Kiley, and James. And a giant thank you to all of those who backed our effort, from mayors to municipal chairs, from state senators to Stevie Van Zandt. 

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 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.

Way back when I worked for President Clinton, our big-tent Democratic party included everyone from carpenters to cops – we attracted working class folks. Everyone mattered – and it showed in our results.  We were the party of women’s rights, educational excellence, and protecting the environment. And we were also the party committed to economic growth, creating good-paying jobs, and willing to cut taxes and costs for the middle class. 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.

Finally, as we all work to bring this home in November, and as I continue, with great honor, my work for you in Congress, and look to my next election in 2026 – don’t worry staff, I’m taking a few weeks off first — 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 – whether that’s a hungry child, a veteran, a struggling small business owner, an American held hostage in a tunnel in Gaza, or a senior worried about her Social Security.   

I’ll never stop fighting for you every day to protect our Jersey Values.

So, 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, when, together, we first vanquished a right-winger—flipping this seat blue for the first time in 84 years. But, despite all those honors, I’ll never forget that the most important title I wear is dad and husband.  

So, I want to thank the loves of my life, my beautiful and brilliant wife, Marla, my incredible kids Ellie, Ben – and even our dog Rosie — for putting up with me and the grueling schedule, for lifting me up, and for always reminding me what this fight is all about.  It’s about family – our kids, and our collective future.  

And an extra special thanks to my incredible dad, sister, in-laws, brother-in-law, aunts and uncles, and cousins – and my mom, of blessed memory, who is watching down with a big smile.  I love you all so much. 

I finish every speech the same way, because even with what we are facing, I still believe that we live in the greatest country in the world, and that if we work together, as Americans, I know that 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! 

May God bless you and continue to watch over and bless our great state and country.

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