William F. Layton, Jr., a hugely respected Trenton lobbyist and influential political insider who spent twelve years as the Burlington County Republican Chairman, died this morning after a long battle with cancer. He was 55.
He was a founding member of CLB Partners, which rose to become one of the state’s largest public affairs firms in New Jersey. He was an expert on gaming and licensing issues.
“Bill was larger than life and someone you always wanted to be around. He was a tireless champion for his clients, and you knew that when he was in your corner you were on a path to success,” said Jon R. Bombardieri, his longtime business partner. “His passing will be felt by all the people and groups he helped quietly and without any fanfare. Losing Bill is not only a tremendous loss for our firm, but personally, I will greatly miss my friend.”
From 2007 to 2019, Layton headed the Burlington County Republican Committee, one of the state’s most powerful GOP political machines.
He stepped down as county chairman after Democrats had finally won control of county government in 2018, the first time since 1975.
The emergence of competitive elections in Burlington has been a long-time coming, and most pundits believe that the exceptional political skills of Bill Layton and his predecessor, Glenn Paulsen, had enabled the Republicans to last as long as they did. When Layton became county chairman, Burlington had 746 more Republicans than Democrats; by the time he stepped down, the Democratic voter registration edge had swelled to nearly 39,000.
His election as county chairman in December 2007 ended a brief period of turmoil that followed Paulsen’s retirement and two successors, Mike Warner and Dawn Lacy.
He had played a major role in recapturing a congressional seat in New Jersey’s 3rd district in 2010, when he helped recruit former Philadelphia Eagles star Jon Runyan to take on freshman Rep. John Adler (D-Cherry Hill).
“Bill’s strategic insights and political acumen were sought out by numerous colleagues and businesses,” his firm said in a statement. “Even in his final stages, Bill’s deep knowledge of government in both New Jersey and Washington, his creative mind, and his unstinting commitment to his clients continued to inform and inspire us in everything we do.”
In 1995, Layton managed successful State Assembly campaigns for Frank Blee and Kenneth LeFevre, who faced tough re-election bids in the hugely competitive 2nd legislative district. He was the executive director of the Camden County Republicans in 1996.
Layton served as political director of the New Jersey Republican State Committee from 1997 to 1998, designing an aggressive and successful voter turnout plan that helped Gov. Christine Todd Whitman win re-election to a second term.
He served as executive director of the New Jersey Concrete and Aggregate Association (NJCAA), a post he began in the 1990s and held for 26 years while running his lobbying firm. Layton was also a National Ready Mixed Concrete Association board member.
Layton was a former member of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and was a trustee of Burlington County College.
He was a graduate of Rutgers University and received a graduate degree in governmental affairs from Villanova University. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
Layton was predeceased by his wife, Amanda, an attorney and former Riverton councilwoman, who died in 2017 after her own lengthy battle with cancer. He is survived by his son, Will, and his wife, Terri.
“Bill cherished the time he spent with his son, Will, and enjoyed attending various Philly sporting events with him. He always spoke with great enthusiasm about attending the Super Bowl with his son to witness the Eagles unforgettable victory over the Patriots,” his firm said. “He loved traveling with his family, and he especially enjoyed organizing trips to visit his son while he attended “Ole Miss,” the University of Mississippi.”
Viewing hours will be held on Sunday July 2, 2023 from 2-6 PM at Colonial Funeral Home in Brick . A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Monday at St. Pius R.C. Church in Forked River.