New reports show the race between Democratic challenger Josh Gottheimer and Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett may be narrowing.
TRENTON -- A string of new reports suggests the odds of Democratic challenger Josh Gottheimer unseating Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett in New Jersey's 5th congressional district this November may be improving.
The Cook Political Report changed the race from leaning Republican to a "toss up" -- the second time in a week a political handicapper upgraded Gottheimer's chances of beating Garrett.
The report said Garrett "is in deep electoral danger" and "at more risk than at any time since he was elected in 2002."
"And he may not have the resources to keep pace with Democrat Josh Gottheimer and outside groups," the report added.
Scott Garrett and Democratic foe bank millions for fall
On Friday, the Rothenberg Gonzalez Political Report said Gottheimer, a former White House speechwriter, was "within striking distance" of Garrett, a seven-term congressman known as the most conservative member of New Jersey's congressional delegation.
Meanwhile, an internal poll released by the House Majority PAC -- a group that has spent nearly $1.5 million attacking Garrett -- shows Gottenheimer leading Garrett 48 to 41 percent. The polling was done by the Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group.
Garrett's campaign dismissed the poll in a statement to The Record, saying it's not surprising a Democratic group in Washington "trying to buy this seat" would tout polls with "incredibly flawed methodologies."
"The Garrett campaign is prepared for a competitive race, and we fully expect to win," campaign manager Sarah Neibart told the newspaper.
Garrett got his own good news Tuesday when he was endorsed by U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).
"Throughout my tenure in Congress, Scott Garrett has been a consistent voice in Washington working to protect taxpayers," Ryan said in statement released by Garrett's campaign. "He has been a reliable ally in the fight to reduce wasteful spending and to balance the budget."
The 5th congressional district includes large parts of Bergen County, as well as parts of Sussex, Passaic, and Warren counties.
Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.