In Delaware, the departure of Gov. John Carney and U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, in addition to President Joe Biden stepping down from a second term bid, is causing significant waves in the state’s upcoming primaries. Carney, who has served two terms as governor and lieutenant governor, as well as three terms as the state’s sole representative to the U.S. House, will leave office next year, sparking contested races in both the Democratic and Republican primaries for his replacement.
The Democratic contenders include Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, and National Wildlife Federation CEO Collin O’Mara. On the Republican side, retired police officer Jerry Price, state House Minority Leader Michael Ramone, and small business owner Bobby Williamson are vying for the nomination.
Although Hall-Long has Carney’s support and is the sole candidate with prior statewide elected experience, she faced challenges after a state-ordered audit revealed campaign finance inconsistencies over an eight-year period, including campaign activities by her staff during government working hours, violating state law.
Meanwhile, Carper’s decision not to seek reelection has set off a competitive race for his Senate seat, with Democratic Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Republican former Walmart executive Eric Hansen running unopposed for their party nominations.
In other key races, state Sen. Sarah McBride, backed by Carper, Coons, and Rochester, is a leading Democratic contender for a U.S. Senate seat, facing Republican Donyale Hall. Delaware, historically a Democratic stronghold, is not predicted to shift party control in the upcoming elections.
While a small number of state legislative seats are contested, Democrats maintain a two-to-one majority in both the state Senate and House. The primary elections, to be held on Tuesday, will see candidates vying for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House, state Senate, state House, insurance commissioner, and mayor of Wilmington.
Delaware voters registered with a party may participate in that party’s primary, with independents or unaffiliated voters ineligible. Turnout for the 2022 primaries was 16% of registered voters, with advance voting accounting for 27% of Democratic and 12% of Republican primary ballots cast. The AP will report results on primary night and follow any developments until a winner is declared.
On election night, the AP previously released results 30 minutes after polls closed and concluded tabulations by 12:38 a.m. ET. As Delaware’s primaries approach, the anticipation builds for the general election in November.
