James Keivom
A New Jersey Democratic congressman announcing a bid Friday to become the Garden State’s next governor blasted New York Gov. Kathy Hochul as “insane” Thursday for reviving the reviled congestion toll to enter Midtown Manhattan.
“It’s utterly absurd at a time of inflation. The added costs for Jersey motorists went from zero to $2,500,” Rep. Josh Gottheimer said.
“It’s insane. I will work with any Democrat or Republican to fight this congestion tax.”
Gottheimer, a moderate first elected to Congress in 2016 representing communities that border the Jersey side of the Hudson River around the George Washington Bridge, said the first-in-the-nation toll has caused a major rift between New York and New Jersey’s elected officials.
The leaders of the two states jointly control the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which run the Hudson toll-crossings such as the GW Bridge and Lincoln and Holland tunnels as well as the regional airports.
“We’ve always worked together,” he said.
But the toll will be collected by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, a New York transit entity where New Jersey has no say.
Most Jersey commuters who work in Manhattan during the day take New Jersey Transit buses and train service into Manhattan.
But many workers, including nurses, who work overnight shifts, don’t have that option, Gottheimer said, noting bus service doesn’t run during the late or wee morning hours in parts of his district.
“Some people have to drive. They have no choice,” he said.
Those drivers are already paying $15 to $17 in tolls to cross into Manhattan and New York, he said.
The New Jersey Globe reported that Gottheimer will announce his bid for governor Friday at the Runway Diner in South Hackensack.
It will be a crowded Democratic field to replace Gov. Phil Murphy, also a congestion pricing opponent, 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 congressional representative, Mikie Sherrill, also is expected to jump in the race as early as Monday.
On the Republican side, former state legislator Jack Ciattarelli, who came within 3 points of toppling Murphy in 2021, will run again.
Other GOP gubernatorial candidates include US Sen. Jon Bramnick , NJ 101.5 radio personality Bill Spadea and former New Jersey state Sen. Ed “The Trucker” Durr, according to the New Jersey Globe.