Amid buzz regarding his possible challenge of U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5) next year, former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan responded to InsiderNJ with a statement.

“A number of people have reached out to me regarding the CD05 race,” Lonegan said. “They have expressed concern that a low energy challenge to the Democrat incumbent will allow the DCCC to spend its money on offense instead of defense. No less than the Star-Ledger posted the names of four Republican incumbents who are in the crosshairs:  Rodney Frelinghuysen, Leonard Lance, Tom MacArthur, and Frank LoBiondo. 

“A formidable challenge is already materializing in the case of Congressman Frelinghuysen and local Republican leaders in that part of the state are deeply concerned, not to mention conservative activists,” Lonegan added. “It has been pointed out to me that President Trump won CD05 and that I defeated Cory Booker in the district.  It’s also been noted that New Jersey’s 5th congressional district is more Republican than Pete Sessions’ district in Texas.  So there is a lot to think about.” Sources say Montvale Mayor Michael Ghssali and attorney John McCann are gearing up to run for the GOP nomination. Warren County Freeholder Jason Sarnoski is also considering a run.