Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer, running for governor of New Jersey, unveiled his first TV ad in the race, highlighting his readiness to challenge former President Donald Trump. The ad features a striking visual of Gottheimer as a boxer, using artificial intelligence to depict a sparring match between him and Trump in a boxing ring. This ad is one of the earliest examples of AI being prominently featured in a major political campaign.
In the commercial, a narrator emphasizes Gottheimer’s tenacity, stating, “He’s a born fighter. Josh Gottheimer’s been fighting for people all his life,” as AI-generated images show him as a young boxer. The ad also showcases Gottheimer’s career, including his work with Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama on key issues like Medicare, Social Security, infrastructure, and gun safety legislation.
Amid scenes of a virtual boxing match, where Gottheimer and Trump’s gloves collide, the narrator highlights his efforts to protect New Jersey from Trump’s tariffs and economic policies. Gottheimer asserts, “As governor, I’ll cut property taxes by 15%, reduce taxes for seniors, and lower costs. It’s not impossible. I’ll fight to get it done and always have your back.”
The ad is part of a multimillion-dollar campaign investment and reflects Gottheimer’s commitment to taking on tough issues in the state. In a statement, he said, “As governor, I’ll battle Trump when he messes with Jersey families and fight to get taxes and costs down. I’m not afraid to get in the ring and go as many rounds as needed until we win.”
The ad’s release signals the intensifying race to succeed New Jersey’s term-limited Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, with a crowded field of candidates, including Gottheimer, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, former state Sen. Steve Sweeney, and Sean Spiller, head of the state teachers union. Over $36 million has already been spent on advertising in the race, with Gottheimer’s super PAC, Affordable New Jersey, contributing significantly.
This contest, one of only two gubernatorial races this year, along with Virginia’s, is expected to be closely watched, especially after Trump’s strong performance in New Jersey in the 2020 election.
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