NJ District 5: Gottheimer Faces Challenge From Pallotta

NJ DISTRICT 5 — It's been a quick pivot for New Jersey's 5th Congressional District.

After a Republican stronghold for nearly all the 2000s, Congressman Josh Gottheimer's election in 2016 perhaps is signaling things to come.

Gottheimer, the Democratic incumbent, is facing Republican challenger Frank Pallotta in this year's general election. According to FiveThirtyEight, it won't be much of a contest.

According to the publication's most recent forecast, Gottheimer wins re-election 97 out of 100 times. In a significant number of those simulations, he wins by a margin of 10 percent or higher.

Still, in spite of the projections, the run-up to election day has been contentious between the two opponents.

As recently as today, Pallotta has spoken out strongly against what he believes is Gottheimer's prioritization of Washington over the 5th District. Alternatively, Gottheimer maintains that he is committed to representing the district, and fighting for the issues they care about most.

Read more: District 5 General Election Profile: Josh Gottheimer

Read more: District 5 General Election Profile: Frank Pallotta

Gottheimer is a moderate. As a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, he works with members of both parties and leans on that distinction heavily when citing how effective he can be in working toward legislation.

However, the position of moderate in modern politics does leave him slightly vulnerable to attacks on both sides.

In the run-up to the primary, challenger Arati Kreibich criticized Gottheimer for policies that didn't go far enough. In the run-up to the general, Pallotta says he is pivoting further left by the day.

Neither of the criticisms, however, seem to impact his standing in the district.

And he hasn't played the victim, either.

Coronavirus

Gottheimer has been quick to point out some comments made by Pallotta during the campaign, particularly his stance on masks and the coronavirus pandemic.

In a clip posted to YouTube by the Gottheimer campaign, Pallotta was captured saying this: "I think the state should be open. I think we should be moving forward. And I’m contemplating my first legislative move to be outlawing masks."

According to Politico, his campaign manager said he was joking.

Pallotta told Patch in a recently published Q&A that the most pressing issue facing the district is the continued "shut down" of the economy.

"I plan to immediately begin to work on a plan to open up our economy in a smart, and safe way. The only way to get things moving forward is to take a hard stance against those who wish to keep us locked down," he said.

Gottheimer agreed that coronavirus relief is the most pressing issue facing the district.

Here's Gottheimer, from his recently published Q&A:

"Along with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, which I am honored to Co-Chair, I recently introduced the March to Common Ground COVID relief package to help break the gridlock and get something done for our families, small businesses, and communities. Families are hurting; we need to get the negotiators back to the table."

For full coverage of the 2020 election in New Jersey, visit the Patch New Jersey Election topic page.