Atlantic City, New Jersey is not only known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling boardwalk, but it also became the epicenter of political activity this week as the state’s leading gubernatorial candidates descended upon the seaside resort city for the League of Municipalities’ annual conference. This event, a long-standing tradition in the state, provided a platform for the 10 major candidates from both parties to engage with local officials and residents, discuss issues related to governance, and showcase their platforms to potential voters.
While the official agenda of the conference focused on topics like recordkeeping, government procurement, and municipal courts, the real action took place outside the convention center. Atlantic City transformed into a playground for New Jersey’s political elite, with dozens of receptions and after-parties hosted at casinos, restaurants, and bars downtown. These unofficial events offered candidates the opportunity to network, connect with voters, and make their presence felt in the race for the governor’s seat.
For many of the candidates, the 2025 gubernatorial election was top of mind, as current Democratic Governor Phil Murphy is term-limited and will not be seeking reelection. With a deep bench of Democrats and Republicans vying for the top job, the race in New Jersey is expected to be closely watched as a barometer of voter sentiment in the second term of President Donald Trump.
Among the Democratic contenders, there was a sense of excitement and optimism about the field. Governor Murphy, while refraining from endorsing any specific candidate, expressed confidence that a Democrat would emerge victorious in the upcoming election. The absence of the county line in the primary ballot design, a result of a recent lawsuit filed by Rep. Andy Kim, added a new dynamic to the race, forcing candidates to engage directly with voters and build support beyond traditional party endorsements.
On the Republican side, candidates like Jack Ciattarelli and Jon Bramnick were actively engaging with party members and showcasing their leadership credentials. Bramnick, a moderate anti-Trump Republican, expressed openness to campaigning with former Governor Chris Christie, highlighting the need for unity within the party to secure victory in the general election.
Meanwhile, Democratic candidates like Rep. Mikie Sherrill and former State Senate President Steve Sweeney were making their presence felt at the conference, garnering endorsements and support from key constituencies. Sherrill’s impressive fundraising haul and the formation of a super PAC in support of her candidacy signaled early momentum in the race, while Sweeney emphasized the importance of reconnecting with working-class voters to secure victory.
As candidates crisscrossed Atlantic City, engaging with voters and building support for their campaigns, the city itself served as a backdrop for the intense political activity unfolding in New Jersey. From billboards along the Atlantic City Expressway to crowded receptions at local establishments, the energy and excitement surrounding the gubernatorial race were palpable, setting the stage for a competitive and closely watched election in the Garden State.
The city was abuzz with political activity as a truck with Sherrill drove around, proudly displaying an endorsement from the Laborers’ International Union of North America. However, it was clear that one Democrat, Sean Spiller, was making a splash with his campaign for governor.
Spiller, the president of the state’s teachers union, seemed to be everywhere in Atlantic City. Digital signs featuring Spiller lined the boardwalk, trucks advertising his campaign were parked outside the convention center, and canvassers in pro-Spiller T-shirts handed out themed water bottles outside a casino. The New Jersey Education Association, which Spiller leads, has committed a staggering $40 million to the governor’s race, with a super PAC close to the NJEA indicating they could spend $35 million in the Democratic primary.
Despite the massive display of support for Spiller, some of his opponents remained unfazed. Democratic Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, running as a progressive in the primary, dismissed the flashy campaign tactics, stating that “none of that stuff votes.” Baraka moderated a panel on tax incentives and participated in discussions on civilian complaint review boards, where candidates like Fulop, Baraka, and Spiller voiced support while Sweeney hesitated.
The exchange between Sweeney and Baraka highlighted the racial dynamics at play in the primary, with discussions on law enforcement misconduct becoming heated. Former state Sen. Ed Durr, who defeated Sweeney in 2021, made a bold proposal to eliminate the sales tax, while Republican candidate Bramnick expressed intentions to establish a relationship with former President Trump if elected.
As the race for governor heats up, candidates are taking varied stances on key issues and engaging in spirited debates. With significant financial backing and a strong presence on the campaign trail, candidates like Spiller are positioning themselves as frontrunners in a crowded field. The political landscape in New Jersey is evolving rapidly, and it remains to be seen which candidate will emerge victorious in the upcoming primary.
