A New Jersey Democrat who announced his candidacy for the Garden State's next governorship on Friday called New York Gov. Kathy Hochul “insane” for reinstating the much-criticized congestion toll on entering midtown Manhattan. It's not,” he criticized.
“That's absolutely ridiculous in the age of inflation. The additional cost for drivers in Jersey went from zero to $2,500,” said Rep. Josh Gottheimer.
“That's insane. I'm going to work with both Democrats and Republicans to fight this congestion tax.”
Gottheimer, a moderate who was first elected to Congress in 2016 representing communities bordering the Jersey side of the Hudson River near the George Washington Bridge, is the first U.S. elected official from New York and New Jersey to accept tolls. He said it caused a huge rift between them. .
Leaders from both states jointly control the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates Hudson toll crossings such as the GW Bridge and the Lincoln-Holland Tunnel, as well as regional airports.
“We’ve always worked together,” he said.
However, the tolls would be collected by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York state's transportation agency, and New Jersey would have no say.
Most Jersey commuters who work in Manhattan during the day enter Manhattan using NJ Transit buses and trains.
But many workers, including nurses who work night shifts, don't have that option, Gottheimer said, noting that buses don't run late at night or early in the morning in parts of the district.
“Some people have to drive. They don't have a choice,” he said.
He said these drivers already pay $15 to $17 tolls to enter Manhattan and New York.
The New Jersey Globe reported that Mr. Gottheimer announce his bid Friday for the governor at Runway Diner in South Hackensack.
The candidate to replace Gov. Phil Murphy, who also opposes congestion pricing, is likely to be a Democratic candidate whose term expires at the end of 2025.
Other Democratic candidates include Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, former Senate President Steve Sweeney, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller.
Another Jersey congressman, Mikie Sherrill, is also expected to enter the race as early as Monday.
On the Republican side, former state Rep. Jack Ciattarelli, who came within three points of defeating Murphy in 2021, is running again.
Other Republican gubernatorial candidates include New Jersey 101.5 radio personality Sen. Bill Spadea and former New Jersey Sen. Ed “The Trucker” Doull, according to the New Jersey Globe. .
