Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) announced on Friday that he would be throwing his hat in the race for New Jersey governor after much anticipation, joining an already crowded Democratic field to replace term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy (D). “Today, I’m launching my campaign for Governor to lower your taxes, lower your costs, and to make Jersey affordable again. I will help you and your family get ahead and I’ll do it while protecting our Jersey Values,” Gottheimer wrote in a post on X. Gottheimer was among those considered to launch a bid; Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) is reportedly launching a gubernatorial bid next week, according to the New Jersey Globe. Other candidates who are already running to replace Murphy include former Senate President Steve Sweeney, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Gottheimer represents the state’s 5th Congressional District, which spans the northern border of New Jersey and went for President Biden in 2020 by more than 12 points. He’s served in Congress since 2017. Speaking to supporters in South Hackensack, N.J., Gottheimer leaned into economic and financial struggles – a theme that members of the party credited with helping Democrats suffer a terrible 2024 election. “Here’s the thing: Life in Jersey’s become too damn expensive – we pay too much in taxes and too much just to live. It’s driving out job-creating businesses and families and undermining our quality of life. Three hundred thousand people and scores of businesses and jobs have left our state in the last few years,” Gottheimer said. Republicans who have launched bids on the GOP side for the governor’s race include former Assemblymember Jack Ciattarelli, state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former state Sen. Ed Durr and radio host Bill Spadea. Republicans are likely to feel emboldened around their chances for New Jersey governor after Vice President Harris only won the Garden State by single digits – close to 6 points – in a state that should have been considered a reliably blue stronghold.