Delaware Primary: Historic Races and Key Contests Shape State's Political Future
Delaware voters decide nominees for crucial positions, including governor and U.S. House. Potential for first openly transgender congressperson and increased Black female representation in Senate.
On September 10, 2024, Delaware voters are participating in primary elections for several significant political positions. The state, known as "The First State" for being the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787, is witnessing contests that could potentially make history.
In the Democratic primary for the U.S. House, Sarah McBride is the frontrunner. If successful, she could become the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. McBride, who gained national recognition after addressing the 2016 Democratic National Convention, has raised nearly $3 million for her campaign. Her opponents, Earl Cooper and Elias Weir, have not reported any campaign fundraising.
The Democratic gubernatorial primary features a competitive race between Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. Hall-Long, who has held public office since 2002, faces scrutiny over a campaign finance scandal that emerged in September 2023. Despite this, she has received endorsements from the current governor and the state's Democratic establishment. Meyer has raised more funds and has consistently highlighted Hall-Long's financial irregularities.
"After a thorough investigation, we have decided not to pursue criminal charges against Lt. Gov. Hall-Long regarding the campaign finance discrepancies."
In an interesting turn of events, current Gov. John Carney is seeking the Democratic nomination for mayor of Wilmington, as term limits prevent him from running for governor again. Carney faces Velda Jones-Potter, a former state treasurer, in this race.
The U.S. Senate race, while not part of the primary, is noteworthy. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, who became the first woman from Delaware to serve in Congress in 2016, is running unopposed in the Democratic primary for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Carper. If successful in November, she could become one of only two Black women in the Senate.
Delaware, despite its small size (second-smallest by area in the U.S.), plays a significant role in American politics and business. The state is home to more than 1 million corporations due to its business-friendly laws and lacks a sales tax. With only three counties, the fewest of any U.S. state, Delaware's political landscape is compact yet influential.
As voters cast their ballots between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., they are not just deciding on candidates but potentially shaping history. The results of these primaries could lead to increased diversity in national politics and set new precedents for representation.
