NJ 5th Congressional District Rep. Candidate Profile: Frank Pallotta

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Candidates are set for the Congressional race for New Jersey's 5th District on the Nov. 8 ballot.

In anticipation, Patch sent questionnaires to each of the candidates vying for the 5th Congressional District's seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, asking them to share facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent the district.

Frank Pallotta is the Republican challenger running for District 5 in the general election against Democratic incumbent Josh Gottheimer.

Here are Pallotta's responses:

Name:

Frank T. Pallotta

Age:

61

Town of residence:

Mahwah

Position sought:

United States Congress

Party affiliation:

Republican

Family:

Married with two grown sons

Education:

BS, Finance, Saint John's University

Occupation:

Finance/Retired

Why are you running for this office?

This district is my home. It’s where I’ve raised my family, started a business, and been deeply involved in the community with charities and organizations aimed at bettering the lives of those around us. I believe our country is headed in the wrong direction, a direction Josh Gottheimer has voted for 100% of the time. I’ll go to Washington not to make myself rich, like Gottheimer has, but to deliver the change people in this district want to see in Washington.

What do you feel is the most important issue facing constituents, and what do you intend to do to repair or resolve it?

People are hurting economically. Inflation continues to hit record highs, gas prices are through the roof, prices are soaring on everything, and as a result many residents are making tough decisions around the kitchen table.

I will go to Washington to cut taxes and rein in out of control spending to create jobs and regain our economic strength. I will fight to restore the SALT deduction, which Gottheimer has failed to do, and ensure that New Jersey finally receives its fair share of federal funding.

What differentiates you from other candidates?

Unlike other candidates, I really have worked extensively in the private sector. I’ve worked for some of the greatest financial institutions in the country, understanding our economy up close. After the economic crash of 2008, I co-founded a New Jersey based small business to help struggling homeowners and veterans who were affected by the financial crisis. I know how to get things done and how to change Washington to better serve the people of this district.

What other issues or ideas do you feel deserve attention?

In addition to getting our economy moving again, we simply must do more to keep our residents safe. Crime is on the rise and the policies of President Biden, Governor Murphy, and Josh Gottheimer have only made things worse. From support of defund the police to the revolving door bail reform policies in this area - we’ve simply had enough. I will truly support the police, fund them, and keep our communities safe.

What accomplishments in your past demonstrates that you are the best candidate for this job?

My greatest accomplishment, of course, is my family. I couldn’t have built a successful career, or created an award-winning business, or certainly be running for Congress without the support of my wife, Patty, and our two wonderful boys.

As I’ve campaigned for this job, I’ve crisscrossed this district meeting with and listening to as many voters as humanly possible. I’ve heard their concerns, their hopes for a better future, and what they want to see from Washington. It is those conversations, which I will continue each and every day as your Congressman, that will best prepare me for the job.

Do you want to tell voters anything else about you or your positions?

Well certainly voters can learn more about me, my positions, and our campaign at www.pallottaforcongress.com. But ultimately it comes down to this, if you want a change in Washington and here at home - change your Congressman. I hope I can count on your vote.