A New Jersey Republican, state Sen. Michael Testa, has introduced a bill to rename the Delaware Bay as ‘The Bay of New Jersey,’ drawing inspiration from former President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The proposed legislation, unveiled recently, would require state agencies to adopt the new name in all official materials, including publications, digital platforms, and signage. This comes after Trump’s January executive order, which has sparked a broader discussion about state claims and territorial identity.
Testa, who represents Cape May County, emphasizes the economic and cultural significance of the Delaware Bay to New Jersey. He argues that the current naming, which has been associated with Delaware since 1610, reflects a claim by its southern neighbor for an extended period. ‘I think that the fact that we have to call the bay that we fish in the Delaware Bay—it’s been a claim by them for a long time,’ he stated, pointing to the historical background of the bay’s name. The bay is not just a geographical feature but also a vital part of New Jersey’s tourism, commerce, and fishing industries.
Meanwhile, the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has prompted a range of reactions within the U.S. and internationally. The Trump administration’s executive order, which is limited to U.S. jurisdiction, has been met with mixed responses. While some state officials, like Rep. Michael Testa, have aligned themselves with the initiative, others, such as Connecticut’s Governor Ned Lamont, have expressed a more lighthearted approach, joking about renaming the Long Island Sound to the ‘Connecticut Sound.’ The debate, however, is no longer confined to the U.S. Mexico, the country sharing borders with the Gulf of Mexico, has taken legal action against Google for altering the name on its maps following the Trump order.
Testa’s proposal highlights the intersection of political aspirations and historical legacy. By seeking to rename the Delaware Bay, he is not only advocating for state pride but also challenging the notion of historical naming conventions. This is part of a broader trend that includes the push for the Gulf of America, supported by House Republicans, and the symbolic renaming efforts of other states. These initiatives, while perhaps symbolic or humorous, reflect the complex relationship between state identity and federal jurisdiction. As the debate continues, the potential for similar actions across the nation remains an area of interest.