U.S. Congress - Introduction/Summary
When Robert G. Torricelli, the Democratic U.S. Representative of New Jersey’s Ninth Congressional District, announced his decision to run for the United States Senate seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Senator Bill Bradley, Steve Rothman was encouraged to seek the congressional seat.
The Jersey Journal newspaper article on Steve Rothman’s resignation as Bergen County Surrogate to run for a congressional seat, 1996
In January 1996, Steve Rothman stepped down from his position as the Judge of the Bergen County Surrogate’s Court, as required by law as a candidate for elected office, and in June of that year prevailed in the Bergen County Democratic Party Convention and later Primary to be the Democratic candidate in the November General Election for Congress.
Campaign brochure for the Bergen County Democratic Nominating Convention, March 1996
Steve Rothman went on to defeat Kathleen Donovan, the Republican Bergen County Clerk and Chairperson of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, by 56.6% to 42.2% of the vote (with two independent candidates taking up the remainder).
He was reelected to his seat seven times before his district was significantly redistricted by a Republican plan for the 2012 election.
For 2012 Redistricting and Primary Election, see Electoral History, 2012 Primary here.
Newly sworn-in Congressman Rothman with his children and family walking from the U.S. Capitol to his Swearing-In Reception at The Library of Congress, January 7, 1997
Newly Sworn-in Congressman Rothman with mentor Richard Sheffield at Rothman’s Swearing-In Reception, January 7, 1997
Newly sworn-in Congressman Steve Rothman at swearing-in reception,
The Library of Congress, January 7, 1997
Newly sworn-in Congressman Steve Rothman greeted at his swearing-In reception by mentor Jack Drakeford and their friend Barbara Marsan, January 7, 1997