Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer, running for governor of New Jersey, confessed to creating a fake Spotify Wrapped playlist for a "fun holiday tweet." The playlist, heavily featuring Bruce Springsteen, raised eyebrows and prompted speculation about its authenticity.
Gottheimer's initial post on X (formerly Twitter) displayed a screenshot seemingly from Spotify Wrapped, listing his top five songs of the year, all by Springsteen. Given Springsteen's iconic status in New Jersey, the playlist resonated with many, but discrepancies in the screenshot's font and spacing, compared to genuine Spotify Wrapped images, sparked questions from outlets like the New Jersey Monitor and NJ.com.
The congressman later admitted to fabricating the image, explaining that his actual Spotify account is shared with his children, whose listening habits influence the Wrapped results. He clarified his personal fondness for Springsteen while acknowledging his kids' preference for artists like Taylor Swift. Gottheimer reiterated that the post was intended as a lighthearted holiday message and reaffirmed his Springsteen fandom.
Gottheimer's incident highlights the intersection of politics, music, and social media, particularly in the context of New Jersey, where Springsteen's influence is substantial. This connection extends to previous governors, including Phil Murphy, who proclaimed a "Bruce Springsteen Day," and Chris Christie, a self-proclaimed Springsteen enthusiast. The upcoming gubernatorial election in November 2025 features a crowded field of candidates, with Gottheimer among those vying for the position.
