Josh Gottheimer — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in New Jersey, 2026

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.

“I believe that you can have tough borders, keep the gang members, terrorists, and other criminals out — and still live up to our values. But, we certainly don’t need inadequately trained ICE agents, with zero guardrails, roaming the streets. That’s why I’m announcing new legislation, the ICE Standards Act, to put clear, enforceable standards in place for the Department of Homeland Security and its ICE immigration officers — standards that will protect the public, protect officers, and uphold the rule of law.” — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, WRNJradio.com, January 29, 2026”

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.

“Just last week, the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits expired, and health insurance premiums skyrocketed — shooting up 175%, or $20,000 a year, for Jersey families. This marks a brutal and immediate hit to family budgets. Thousands will lose their health insurance. It’s totally unacceptable. [...] Today’s bipartisan vote in the House extends the premium tax credits – it is a critical step to help rein in these costs. Now, we need the Senate to act immediately, pass it, and get it to the President’s desk. I won’t stop until this bill becomes law. The ACA premium tax credits are a lifeline for millions of Americans, helping make health care more affordable.” — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Insider NJ, January 8, 2026.”

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.

“I’ll fight to ensure everyone has clean drinking water—something I’ve focused on in Congress, where I’ve clawed back millions to northern New Jersey to eliminate lead and forever chemicals in our water. As Governor, I’ll fully invest in efforts to get clean water to every Jersey family and school. I also fought to bring billions in infrastructure funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill back to Jersey, a bill that I wrote, negotiated, and helped pass with our state in mind. That money is already being put to use to build more climate resilient infrastructure and fix our roads, bridges, NJ Transit, and the Gateway Train Tunnel – and, importantly, do everything we can to protect our communities, on the shore and inland, from flooding. This is a huge issue and one we will continue to [...]" - Josh Gottheimer, from his plan to 'protect our Jersey values', josh4jersey.com”

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.

“I’ll fight to protect reproductive freedom. We’ll codify the right to an abortion into our state’s constitution, so no matter what happens at the federal level or in our state in the future, families will always have the ability to choose what’s best for them. I’ll also improve access to preconception care and defend a couple’s right to seek IVF care, which has come under attack by the far right before. - Josh Gottheimer, "RELEASE: GOTTHEIMER RELEASES PLAN TO STOP TRUMP’S CHAOS AND PROTECT OUR JERSEY VALUES", josh4jersey.com”

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.

““Today, the United States, with our key democratic ally Israel, took decisive action to defend our national security, fight terror, protect our allies, and stand with the Iranian people who have been massacred in the streets for demanding freedom from the murderous Iranian regime. I applaud the extraordinary bravery and professionalism of our servicemembers and pray for their safety as Iran and its terrorist proxies retaliate against American bases and our partners in the region.” — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Statement on U.S.-Israel Joint Strikes In Iran, February 28, 2026”

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.

““The goal of the BDS movement is the destruction of the democratic State of Israel, America’s critical ally in the global fight against terror. BDS has no place on college campuses or anywhere in our country. At a time when our Jewish students are facing death threats, being physically assaulted, and blocked from going to class simply for who they are, we must do everything possible to ensure they can learn safely, speak freely, and get the education they deserve,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).”

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.

““I’m proud to have helped negotiate and pass the first commonsense, bipartisan gun safety bill in thirty years in Congress.” - Josh Gottheimer, Josh4Jersey.com”