Firefighter Unions Split Over 2025 Governor’s Race
The already crowded Democratic field for the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial primary is set to get even more competitive this week, with Congressman Josh Gottheimer expected to announce his candidacy on Friday and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill likely to follow with her announcement on Monday. Both candidates are quickly emerging as front-runners, with Gottheimer drawing significant support from Hudson and Bergen counties and a sizable war chest, while Sherrill is gaining momentum in Essex, Middlesex, and Passaic counties.
Both Gottheimer and Sherrill have already received numerous pledges of endorsement as they gear up for their campaigns. Gottheimer has secured pledges from two Essex County towns, West Orange and North Caldwell, along with backing from various community leaders. Meanwhile, Sherrill has garnered her own support, including an endorsement from the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (NJ FMBA).
Today, the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) issued a statement expressing its strong support for Congressman Josh Gottheimer.
“Since his first day in Congress, Josh Gottheimer has been a steadfast ally to first responders, tirelessly advocating for our needs in Washington,” said PFANJ President Matthew Caliente.
“Congressman Gottheimer’s efforts have had a tangible impact on the lives of those who risk their lives every day to protect our communities,” President Caliente added. “We stand with Josh, just as he has always stood with us. He embodies the leadership qualities we’re looking for in our next governor.”
This endorsement from the PFANJ represents a significant moment in the race, marking a major split with the NJ FMBA, which has thrown its support behind Mikie Sherrill. It is also the third union to back Gottheimer, joining the State Council of Machinists and the Operating Engineers.
The PFANJ represents nearly 3,500 members across over 60 local unions, including more than 3,000 of New Jersey’s approximately 6,000 professional firefighters.
The Democrat Party is falling into the shiny object trap. These two Washington DC insiders are exactly who the Republicans want to run against. Both are decent people who have never run anything or balanced a budget in their careers. The Governors election will be won or lost on who can protect and defend the taxpayers money. These two are from Washinton, they only know how to spend money.
Firefighters, LEO, and other first responders, including nurses and doctors need to look at the taxes taken out of their paychecks each pay period. They need to look at their property taxes, which is a massive scam perpetrated by the NEA and NJEA. If they don’t vote for a Republican Governor and Republican Legislature, they will get more of the same from the Communists in Trenton and D.C. And, it will get worse. Their taxes will skyrocket, and many will leave N.J. for cheaper standards of living and much less taxes.
As a senior ,who will vote in the democratic primary I have a quick litmus test for the two ” DC’ers” . Do you even know what STAY NJ is and how will you pay for it?