FAIR LAWN — Thrown into a politically unfriendly district last week, U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman today signaled he intends to challenge a fellow Democrat in June's primary.

Rothman (D-9th Dist.) began telling Democrats today that he plans run against Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th Dist.) in the newly formed 9th Congressional District, according to three Democrats. Technically, Rothman would not have to move to the new district to run there, although he is expected to.

Rothman was thrown into a Republican-leaning district with Rep. Scott Garrett (R-5th Dist.) last week after the congressional redistricting process concluded. Since then, there has been speculation that rather than run an uphill fight against Garrett, Rothman would move and challenge Pascrell in the newly-drawn 9th District, which will contain parts of Bergen, Passaic and Hudson Counties — including many of the towns Rothman currently represents.

Rothman, 59, began informing Democrats of his decision today, according to the sources, who did not want to speak publicly in advance of an official announcement from Rothman, which is expected this week.

Rothman’s spokesman, Aaron Keyak, would only refer to a Friday statement in which Rothman said he was reviewing "all my options" and would make a decision soon.

Passaic County Democratic Chairman John Currie, who supports Pascrell, said Rothman "would be letting down New Jersey Democrats by running outside of his hometown and passing up an opportunity to unseat right-wing radical Scott Garrett."

"He would be playing right into the hands of Governor Christie," said Currie. "The Passaic County Democratic Organization is fully committed to Bill Pascrell."

To run against Pascrell, Rothman may move from his current hometown of Fair Lawn into the new district, which includes his former hometown of Englewood, where he used to serve as mayor.

If Rothman goes through with candidacy, it sets up a race between two candidates with large war chests that will play out in the nation’s most expensive media market.

As of October, Rothman had $1.74 million in campaign cash to Pascrell’s $1.43 million. Both men were first elected to the House in 1996.

Bergen County Democratic Chairman Lou Stellato would not comment on whether Rothman has decided to run. But he said if he does, Rothman will have the support of the Bergen County Democratic Organization.

Bergen County Democratic Chairman Lou Stellato said he will support whatever path Rothman chooses.

"He’s got his roots in Bergen County," said Stellato. "They’re two excellent, excellent congressmen. You really never want to see that. But … every once in a while it comes to that, and if it has to happen, it’s not the worst thing in the world."

New Jersey lost a congressional district because population growth did not keep pace with faster growing states in the south and west, including Texas and Florida, which gained seats.

Related coverage:

• U.S. Rep. Rothman to make announcement about political future following congressional redistricting

• N.J. committee assigned to redraw congressional districts submit final proposals

• N.J. redistricting map debate continues into the night

• Panel to decide which N.J. congressional district to sacrifice



• N.J. loses seat in Congress as Census Bureau unveils population numbers