Josh Gottheimer

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.

Joshua Gottheimer was born on March 8, 1975, in North Caldwell, Essex County, New Jersey, to Ashkenazi Jewish parents. His mother worked as a preschool teacher, while his father owned a small business that he initially started in the family's basement before expanding it in northern New Jersey.

Gottheimer is Jewish, having been raised in a Jewish family and affiliated with Jewish organizations during his university years, including membership in the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, which has historical ties to Jewish students.

As a member of Congress, Gottheimer has engaged extensively with Jewish congregations in his district, speaking at events to address antisemitism and support community resilience. On multiple occasions, he has visited synagogues following incidents of vandalism or threats, such as joining Temple Sinai of Bergen County on September 22, 2025, after the burning of the congregation's Israeli flag, where he condemned the act and discussed protective measures. Similarly, he participated in discussions at Congregation B'nai Yeshurun on rising antisemitism affecting North Jersey communities and campuses. Other engagements include speaking at Etz Chaim Synagogue and Temple B'nai Shalom in May 2025 on challenges facing the Jewish community, as well as serving as a Shabbat speaker at Temple B'nai Abraham on January 24, 2025. He also joined Congregation Anshe Chesed in Linden for conversations on related issues.