Who Is Running in New Jersey Congressional District 5th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Josh Gottheimer
(Incumbent)Economy
HighJosh Gottheimer supports infrastructure projects like the Gateway Train Tunnel, advocating for federal funding to prevent job loss and economic impact. He has a "Lower Costs Plan for Jersey" to address rising living expenses by reducing childcare and utility bills, making housing affordable, and cutting healthcare costs. He voted against the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act in February 2026, while supporting a bipartisan House funding bill to lower healthcare costs and fund roads and bridges.
Immigration
HighJosh Gottheimer co-sponsored H.R. 126, which celebrates immigrant contributions and opposes discriminatory policies. He introduced the ICE Standards Act to establish professional guardrails for immigration enforcement and require standardized training for ICE agents. He also voted for a bill to detain and deport immigrants accused of low-level or violent offenses, stating such individuals are not welcome. Conversely, he opposed H.R. 2, which would have expanded border policies and curtailed humanitarian protections.
Healthcare
HighJosh Gottheimer voted for the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 7148), which aims to lower healthcare costs and boost cancer research. He also supported extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, viewing them as essential for making healthcare more affordable for millions. Additionally, he introduced the bipartisan FIRE Cancer Act to provide no-cost preventative cancer screenings for firefighters, citing the high incidence of cancer deaths among them.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Josh Gottheimer |
|---|---|
| Economy | Josh Gottheimer supports infrastructure projects like the Gateway Train Tunnel, advocating for federal funding to prevent job loss and economic impact. He has a "Lower Costs Plan for Jersey" to address rising living expenses by reducing childcare and utility bills, making housing affordable, and cutting healthcare costs. He voted against the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act in February 2026, while supporting a bipartisan House funding bill to lower healthcare costs and fund roads and bridges. High |
| Immigration | Josh Gottheimer co-sponsored H.R. 126, which celebrates immigrant contributions and opposes discriminatory policies. He introduced the ICE Standards Act to establish professional guardrails for immigration enforcement and require standardized training for ICE agents. He also voted for a bill to detain and deport immigrants accused of low-level or violent offenses, stating such individuals are not welcome. Conversely, he opposed H.R. 2, which would have expanded border policies and curtailed humanitarian protections. High |
| Healthcare | Josh Gottheimer voted for the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 7148), which aims to lower healthcare costs and boost cancer research. He also supported extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, viewing them as essential for making healthcare more affordable for millions. Additionally, he introduced the bipartisan FIRE Cancer Act to provide no-cost preventative cancer screenings for firefighters, citing the high incidence of cancer deaths among them. High |
| Climate & Energy | Josh Gottheimer has a 92% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters. He opposed H.R. 1, which aimed to boost fossil energy development and repeal parts of the Inflation Reduction Act. He has focused on securing funding for clean drinking water to eliminate lead and forever chemicals, and for building climate-resilient infrastructure to protect communities from flooding in New Jersey. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Josh Gottheimer voted against the Pregnant Students' Rights Act and the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act in 2026. He also co-sponsored the Right to Contraception Act in 2025. Gottheimer states he will fight to protect reproductive freedom, codify the right to an abortion into the state’s constitution, and defend a couple’s right to seek IVF care. High |
| Foreign Policy | Congressman Josh Gottheimer supported U.S.-Israel joint strikes in Iran, stating it defends national security, fights terror, and protects allies. He opposed the War Powers Resolution, arguing it would restrict necessary flexibility in responding to threats. Gottheimer voted "yes" on the PROTECT Taiwan Act (HR 1531) and received positive scoring from Foreign Policy for America for his votes on nuclear risk reduction and against certain Israel security assistance legislation. High |
| Education | Josh Gottheimer supported bipartisan House funding bills to ensure access to childcare and early childhood education, aiming to benefit Jersey families. He co-introduced the bipartisan Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act to prohibit colleges engaging in BDS activities from receiving federal student aid, stating it ensures Jewish students can learn safely. Additionally, he announced bipartisan legislation for an October 7th remembrance curriculum in schools to combat antisemitism. High |
| Gun Policy | Josh Gottheimer supports measures to reduce gun violence, including raising the gun ownership age, eliminating ghost guns, banning assault weapons, and requiring safer gun technology. He contributed to negotiating and passing a bipartisan gun safety bill in Congress. His plan aims to protect communities from gun violence and make them safer. High |
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