The “Walk to Washington” made its return this week after a five-year break.
Over a half-dozen candidates for governor of New Jersey gathered in Washington, D.C., to network with some of the state’s most influential business leaders and political operatives during one of New Jersey’s oldest political traditions.
The annual “Walk to Washington,” organized by the state Chamber of Commerce, is historically one of the premier networking opportunities for those seeking office. Train cars filled with powerful lobbyists, business figures, and nonprofit leaders create a captive audience for candidates. However, the candidates caution against reading too much into the event.
This year presents a unique challenge as the race to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy tests the power of the political machine. Without the state’s notorious county line, which historically offered party-backed candidates advantageous ballot positions, discussions around which candidates will serve the political elite versus the average voter are at the forefront of both party primaries.
To demonstrate their “anti-machine” or “political outsider” credentials, some candidates, like Democratic Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Republican former state Sen. Ed Durr, opted out of party nominating conventions this year. They viewed the Walk to Washington as a symbol of the political establishment, justifying their absence.
The event’s revival followed a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was partly motivated by the upcoming gubernatorial race, according to New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President Tom Bracken. The event has faced past criticisms, particularly regarding allegations of harassment against women on the train.
Candidates who attended the event described it as part of their broader campaign efforts. Democratic Newark Mayor Ras Baraka acknowledged the walk as a valuable opportunity to hear constituents’ concerns, though he admitted it represents “the ultimate insider thing.” He remarked, “It’s not really what I would do, but I’m here,” emphasizing his preference for grassroots campaigning.
Campaigning was evident throughout the event, with Democratic New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller distributing baggies of candy to attendees. Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer showcased “uncap the SALT” salt shakers and miniature trains emblazoned with his logo. Attendees were also met with signs supporting Democratic former state Senate President Steve Sweeney upon arrival at Union Station.
Sweeney characterized the trip as an opportunity to reconnect with constituents, stating, “You’re not changing anybody’s minds on this train, by any means.”
Other candidates contested the portrayal of the walk as an insider event. Republicans Bill Spadea and Jack Ciattarelli, who attended but did not ride the train, dismissed the notion. Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill remarked that she doesn’t view events as strictly insider or outsider gatherings, while Republican state Sen. Jon Bramnick found the debate over insiders versus outsiders “absurd.”
Spadea emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “This is an event where you’ve got business leaders saying, ‘Who are these guys running for governor, and do they have a sense of what New Jersey needs for the business community?’”
The gubernatorial forum on Friday featured candidates, including Baraka, Bramnick, Ciattarelli, Gottheimer, Sherrill, Spadea, Spiller, and Sweeney, and was notably more cordial than the recent heated Republican debate. Candidates exchanged jokes and even found common ground on issues like reducing corporate business taxes. However, Spadea’s comment about needing to contact Elon Musk received jeers from the audience.
The political landscape in Washington also influenced the discussions. Baraka expressed his commitment to serving constituents regardless of what “the plutocrats are doing in D.C.” Bramnick, a moderate Republican, distanced himself from national politics, declaring, “I am not gonna bring national politics into Jersey. Jersey is its own environment.”
Spadea shared a vision for New Jersey, suggesting, “We will be Florida without the humidity.”
Murphy, who addressed attendees on Thursday evening, stated he has not watched any of the gubernatorial debates and plans to remain focused on his current responsibilities, saying, “I’m staying out of politics right now. I’ve got my head down sprinting to the goal line.”
The walk marks the beginning of an intense campaign season for gubernatorial candidates. The first Democratic county convention is scheduled for Sunday in Hunterdon County, launching a busy period of campaigning across the state. While criticisms of party bosses persist and the absence of the county line poses challenges, some candidates still see the value in participating in events like the Walk to Washington.
Baraka concluded, “I don’t think you skip anything. I think those are tools. You don’t leave them on the table. People invite you. You gotta go.”
