CRESSKILL, N.J. – Fred Schneiderman, a Cresskill businessman who made brief but notable bids for both Congress and the U.S. Senate in New Jersey, passed away this morning after an illness. He was 58 years old.
Schneiderman, known for his outsider status in New Jersey politics, briefly challenged Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) in the state’s 5th Congressional District during the 2022 election. Although he withdrew from the race after ballots had been mailed overseas, he still received 629 votes, accounting for about 2% of the total vote.
Political Career and Senate Bid
In 2023, Schneiderman launched a bid for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate but withdrew after finishing third at the Bergen County GOP Convention. The convention results were as follows:
- Christine Serrano Glassner (Mendham Mayor) – 254 votes
- Curtis Bashaw – 200 votes
- Fred Schneiderman – 99 votes
- Alex Zdan – 80 votes
- Albert Harshaw – 3 votes
- Brian Jackson – 2 votes
- Justin Michael Murphy – 1 vote
A Wildcard in New Jersey Politics
Schneiderman was considered a wildcard in his congressional bid, with high-profile Republican figures and firms backing his efforts:
- His campaign was directed by Kellyanne Conway, a former Trump campaign advisor and White House counselor.
- Jamestown Associates, a top GOP media firm, managed his campaign messaging and advertising strategies.
Despite these advantages, Schneiderman struggled to gain significant party support:
- He failed to secure the organization line in Bergen County, which went to De Gregorio.
- In Passaic and Sussex counties, Republican leaders backed Frank Pallotta.
By the end of March 2022, Schneiderman had raised approximately $279,842, with over half of that total coming from a personal loan.
Business Career and Legacy
Outside of politics, Schneiderman was a successful businessman based in Cresskill, New Jersey. While his political campaigns never gained significant traction, those who knew him described him as a passionate advocate for conservative values and a dedicated supporter of his local community.
His passing leaves a void in New Jersey’s Republican circles, particularly among those who admired his willingness to challenge established political figures and contribute his own resources to his campaigns.
