New Jersey's newly redrawn congressional map is pitting two long-time Democratic representatives against each other in the 9th District.

Rep. Steve Rothman (D-N.J.) and Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J), often side by side in the political arena, will now go head to head. The elimination of a congressional district in New Jersey resulted in Pascrell's district being redrawn to include portions of Bergen County, where Rothman is the congressional representative.

In a statement, Rothman said "I have represented the 9th Congressional District for the past 15 years and have lived here nearly my entire life. I look forward to continuing to represent this district." He is reportedly relocating from Fair Lawn to Englewood, where he previously served as mayor. Fair Lawn is no longer part of the newly redrawn 9th District, whereas Englewood is still part of the district.

In response to the challenge, Pascrell said, "Everyone who knows me knows that I am a fighter who is ready for whatever may come." Others said Rothman should instead challenge conservative Republican Rep. Scott Garrett whose 5th District will now include Fair Lawn.

Both Rothman and Pascrell were elected to the House of Representatives in 1996.