Delaware
Who’s backing candidates for governor? Endorsements broken down ahead of Delaware primary
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As the primary election grows closer, the candidates for Delaware governor are ramping up their campaigns.
The Democratic candidates – Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer and former secretary of Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Collin O’Mara – along with the Republican candidates – Jerrold Price, House Minority Leader Rep. Mike Ramone and Bobby Williamson – will each be facing a three-way race for First State voters next month.
The primary elections are set to take place on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
The winners of the Democratic and Republican primaries will then face each other in the general election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Here’s what we know about who has endorsed these candidates so far.
Upcoming: Candidates for governor, congress to face off in Delaware Journalism Collaborative debates
Who endorses Bethany Hall-Long?
Hall-Long has served as the state’s Lieutenant Governor since 2017, after spending over a decade in both the state Senate and House of Representatives.
If elected, Hall-Long aims to promote universal childcare and early education, increase access to affordable housing and expand the state’s workforce.
Since announcing her candidacy, Hall-Long has received endorsements from several state officials – including current Governor John Carney – and several unions across the First State, including the Delaware AFL-CIO and the Delaware State Education Association (DSEA).
According to DSEA President Stephanie Ingram, the organization supports Hall-Long in part because of her previous experience and dedication to improving the lives of all First State residents – specifically those of children and working families.
“Lt. Gov Hall-Long shares our commitment to serving all of Delaware’s students, and we are confident she will keep her promise to engage and partner with public school educators, parents and community members as we work together to strengthen public education in the First State,” Ingram, a fourth-grade teacher in the Colonial School District, said in a statement.
And amid the release of a forensic audit of Hall-Long’s campaign finances this past July, many, including Senators Stephanie Hansen and Nicole Poore, have reaffirmed their support.
“[Hall-Long] has the depth and breadth of experience in state government, and in the issues that matter most to Delawareans, that we need,” Hansen, who represents Middletown, said in a statement.
Poore, who represents New Castle, also remarked on Hall-Long’s compassion and commitment in her years of public service, and how her track record should be driving this election, as opposed to simply merits.
Sen. Jack Walsh, who represents Christiana, who also endorsed Hall-Long, agreed, noting how she has a “very deep understanding” of Delaware’s political landscape and a clear vision for its future.
Who endorses Matt Meyer?
A born-and-raised First Stater, Meyer was previously a small business owner and public school math teacher. He has served as New Castle County Executive since 2017.
If elected, Meyer intends to increase public safety, expand access to housing and healthcare and raise funding for public schools across the First State.
On Aug. 2, the American-Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) unanimously voted to endorse Meyer’s campaign, specifically noting the executive’s previous business experience in Africa as a key factor for their support.
“Given his life’s journey, from serving as the founder of a small business in Kenya to working as a diplomat in a war zone to teaching grade school math in our state’s classrooms, we are certain Matt Meyer is the right leader for Delaware and its growing Ethiopian American Community,” AEPAC executive chairman Mesfin Tegenu said in a press release that same day.
The AEPAC could not be reached for comment.
Former state chairman of the state Democratic Party Erik Raser-Schramm also endorsed Meyer, emphasizing his ability to consider new solutions and adapt to unexpected changes.
“Sometimes when people are at a crossroads, they stop, or sometimes they turn back,” Raser-Schramm wrote in an op-ed for Delaware Online this past July. “As someone who worked with Meyer, I saw a leader who time and time again faced challenges head on, arrived at crossroads and saw the opportunity in adversity.”
In a statement to the press, Meyer’s campaign also mentioned receiving support from the Delaware Democratic Party Pride Caucus.
The caucus also could not be reached for comment.
This PAC says it doesn’t support candidates, but runs ad that lauds Matt Meyer
Who endorses Collin O’Mara?
The first Democrat to file his candidacy, O’Mara currently serves as president and CEO of the non-profit National Wildlife Federation.
According to his campaign website, if elected, O’Mara pledges to improve the state public education system, create sustainable jobs and help Delaware become the first state in the nation to achieve 100% clean energy and zero-net emissions.
According to an Aug. 1 release, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Action Fund and National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Action Fund collectively announced their endorsement for O’Mara.
As LCV Action Fund Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld said in a statement, O’Mara has been a “tireless advocate” for both the environment and surrounding communities, and emphasized the need to have leaders who push for a cleaner, more sustainable future for all Delawareans.
President and CEO of the NRDC Action Fund Manish Bapna echoed Sittenfeld’s sentiments, noting how O’Mara “knows how to bring people together to get big things done” amid an ongoing climate crisis, and will be considered “one of the nation’s greenest governors.”
That same day, LCV Action Fund, the NRDC Action Fund and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Action Votes also announced an independent expenditure effort to help elect O’Mara in the Democratic primary election.
Along with other groups, these organizations intend to help “boost O’Mara’s candidacy” amid the ongoing race, including investing in running ad campaigns on both television and digital platforms.
The first endorsement for O’Mara’s campaign came from the Delaware Working Families Party this past spring.
O’Mara’s campaign also named additional endorsements from the Friends of the Earth Action Fund and the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund.
An in-depth look: Who has Working Families endorsed for Delaware governor, General Assembly?
Who is endorsing GOP candidates?
With a Democratic dominance in state politics, the Republican slate of candidates for governor has fewer endorsements.
The Delaware Republican Party has thrown its support to political veteran Ramone. Ramone nor the Delaware Republican Party could not be reached for further comment.
Ramone, who represents Pike Creek, has held his seat in the House since 2008, and first announced his intentions to run in May instead of seeking reelection.
With no endorsements, Price asks those interested in contributing to his campaign to instead donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
A retired New York Police Department officer and Lewes resident, Price has a platform that includes advocating for insurance reform, expanding career readiness and vocational pathways and increasing the presence of law enforcement to combat violent crime.
Williamson appears to have support from community members, but no major endorsements.
A lifelong Bridgeville resident and self-described businessman, Williamson intends to “advocate for law enforcement, public safety and reduction in crime,” support the growth of small businesses and defend protections under the Second Amendment, according to his campaign website.
More: Delaware’s governor race gets crowded with 3-way primary for Republicans, Democrats
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. Reach her at omontes@delawareonline.com.
Measles in Pennsylvania worries Delaware health officals
Delaware health officials are on high alert as measles cases rise in Pennsylvania.
As measles cases increase in Pennsylvania, Delaware health officials say they are on high alert, warning that “infectious diseases don’t care about state borders.”
Dr. Ayanna Buckner, chief physician in the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Office of Epidemiology, said as of July 9, Delaware did not yet have any confirmed measles cases.
But she noted the state is vulnerable given its close proximity to outbreak locations, prior exposure incidents in Delaware and the highly contagious nature of the disease.
She also noted Delaware has already encountered potential measles threats this year, including an exposure linked to an out-of-state patient who sought treatment at Nemours Children’s Hospital and the detection of measles in a Lewes wastewater sample.
“We do feel that our Delaware community is at high risk,” Buckner said. “We spend so much time doing investigations around infectious diseases, and measles is the one that we are on pins and needles about this summer.”
As of July 8, Pennsylvania had 101 confirmed measles cases so far in 2026, up from 94 on July 6. The majority of those were in Lancaster County – 60 total cases this year, including 52 since late April – and Lebanon County – 20 cases. These counties do not border Delaware.
However, four cases have been confirmed in Chester County since April. Chester borders the First State.
“We can’t say, ‘Oh, that’s over there in that state; we’re [OK],’” Buckner said. “Again, because infectious diseases don’t respect state borders.”
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. Quotations are verbatim.
Question: How concerned should Delaware residents be about measles?
Answer: So far this year, the Division of Public Health has issued two health alerts about measles. The first was in February, when an unvaccinated resident of another state who was infected sought treatment at the Nemours Children’s Hospital emergency department. Health officials notified anyone who was potentially exposed and conducted contact tracing.
The second alert came in April, after routine wastewater testing in Lewes detected measles in a water sample.
“We were concerned that a measles case would pop up in Delaware, but that never happened. So we are making a guess that perhaps someone was traveling through the area. But again, if someone with measles travels through here, they could still potentially expose people that they come in contact with in Delaware.”
If a fully vaccinated person is exposed to measles, then visits or cares for an unvaccinated person, what’s the risk to the unvaccinated person?
Everything in the study of infectious diseases is a risk calculation, and a situation like that would be considered low risk. But “that is why vaccination is so important.”
What would you say to someone who is hesitant about vaccination?
“I cannot give a stronger recommendation for them, especially at this time. And I say especially at this time because every meeting I’m in, when I’m meeting with other states, when I’m attending national meetings, we’re always talking about measles.”
Given large-scale public events throughout the region this summer, such as the FIFA World Cup and American 250th anniversary events, “one of our biggest concerns is measles.”
My child isn’t old enough to be vaccinated. Are there common sense precautions I can take?
The first dose for infants is usually given between 12 and 15 months. Some states with outbreaks are recommending that babies get them earlier. Delaware is not one of them. However, it has long been recommended that a baby six months old or older who is planning to travel abroad get the measles vaccine.
“Be thoughtful about prevention and be really vigilant. If someone is telling you they’ve got a rash, they’ve got a cough, really try not to be around them. So often folks are like, ‘Oh, I can’t miss work,’ or ‘I don’t want to miss this playdate.’ But if someone’s sick, don’t bring your baby around.”
If I suspect myself or my child has measles, should I show up unannounced at a doctor’s office?
No. Call ahead and follow the health care facility’s instructions.
Are adults who were vaccinated decades ago still protected?
If you were born before 1957, you are considered immune. If you were fully vaccinated, you’re also considered immune. If you’re concerned, however, your doctor can order a blood test to check for immunity. Such testing is fairly common.
“When we are doing a measles investigation, the first thing we ask is, ‘Are you vaccinated? Can you show us proof of vaccination?’ If we can’t find it in our Delaware database, then we ask people, ‘Can you show us your records?’ If people don’t have them, then we think about whether we need to recommend prophylaxis. But one of the steps in between is people will frequently go and have their (blood) drawn, which can demonstrate immunity.”
If a measles case is identified in Delaware, what happens next?
The process begins by identifying those who were exposed and inquiring about vaccine status. Then, health officials will “make appropriate recommendations about prophylaxis” – or a measure taken to prevent a disease from occurring before it becomes an active illness.
“We will also work with facilities depending on what type of facility it was. If it’s a hospital, we usually can get names and make phone calls to them. But sometimes it’s a public event, and we don’t have someone who can just give us all the names, so we will use social media and/or provide a letter that the facility can provide to inform people. I strongly encourage everyone to follow the Division of Public Health social media pages … We also strongly encourage health professionals, school leaders, business leaders, as appropriate, to sign up for our Delaware Health Alert notification, and that’s on our website.”
Which famous people have visited Hotel du Pont in Delaware?
Athletes, world leaders, actors and other famous people have visited the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington over the years.
Southern rap icon 2 Chainz is coming for Delaware’s neck this summer in a special event highlighting his recently released New York Times Bestseller, “The Voice in My Head is God.”
This book talk is set for Wilmington Public Library on July 21. Folks interested in attending are required to purchase the book at registration. The cost of a ticket includes the book.
Here’s what to know about 2 Chainz, “The Voice in My Head is God” and how he was involved in one of the greatest hip-hop concerts that Delaware never got to see.
Who is rap star 2 Chainz?
Tauheed Epps, better known by the stage name 2 Chainz, is a 48-year-old Georgia native who used to rap under the controversial moniker Ti– Boi when he was a member of the duo Playaz Circle, alongside his friend Dolla Boy. In 2007, the duo signed to Ludacris’ Disturbing tha Peace (DTP), a label that operated under Def Jam, according to an article from Revolt.TV.
That same year, Playaz Circle dropped the major song “Duffle Bag Boy” featuring Lil Wayne. The Atlanta-area rapper eventually went solo and began his journey as a trap music icon who switched his name to 2 Chainz, under which he’s gained a ridiculous amount of music collaborations and success.
According to RIAA.com, 2 Chainz has racked up over a dozen singles and albums combined that have each gone platinum (including “I’m Different” and “Based on a T.R.U. Story”). That doesn’t even include the multiple guest records he’s appeared on that have gone platinum, too.
From Lil Wayne to Drake, 2 Chainz has worked with everyone
Some of the artists 2 Chainz has teamed with include Quavo and Gucci (“Good Drank”), Wiz Khalifa on the song “We Own It” (Fast and Furious) and J Cole (“Chris Tucker”), plus repeat collabs with artists like Kanye West (“Champions,” “The One”), Drake (“Sacrifices,” “No Lie”) and a joint album with Lil Wayne (“Welcome 2 Collegegrove”).
The rapper 2 Chainz has been nominated for six Grammys Awards and won his first in 2017 for Best Rap Performance on Chance The Rapper’s tune “No Problem.”
That time 2 Chainz brought in LeBron James
Thinking outside of the box, 2 Chainz brought on LeBron James (yep, the same NBA superstar who reportedly is considering signing with the Philadelphia 76ers) as an A&R for his 2019 album: “Rap or Go To the League,” Billboard reported.
2 Chainz releases new book, ‘The Voice in My Head is God’
The rapper’s new book released this past spring and highlights how 2 Chainz, raised by a single mom while his dad served prison time, chose to step away from the streets and discovered “his purpose: not by fame or fear, but by faith,” per the book’s synopsis on Amazon.
“In his most personal work yet, Grammy Award–winning rapper 2 Chainz shares the spiritual journey behind his success, offering a raw, reflective, and deeply motivational meditation on the inner voice that’s guided him his whole life: God.”
2 Chainz and the super Delaware concert that never was
One of Delaware’s greatest hip-hop concerts to never happen was supposed to include several rap legends a few years ago, and 2 Chainz was one of them.
This super concert was titled “Masters of the Mic: Hip Hop 50 Tour,” a celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, and it was set to be held at Frawley’s Stadium in Wilmington in 2023.
The tour stop to Delaware was slated to feature a lineup that included a blend of contemporary rappers and pioneers such as Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Fat Joe, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, EPMD, Rakim and Slick Rick.
Just days before the event, however, The Grand in Wilmington announced on social media that the plug had been pulled on the concert “due to circumstances beyond our control.”
A big reason the event was sunk is likely due to the price of tickets, which were initially $170 per person. The Grand offered the same tickets for $100 on Facebook not long before the show was canceled.
This upcoming book talk with 2 Chainz should be redemption for Delaware fans who missed him because of the canceled tour stop in 2023.
How much are tickets to see 2 Chainz in Delaware?
Interested guests are required to purchase 2 Chainz’s new book, “The Voice in my Head is God,” to attend his Delaware book talk. The price of ticketed admission is $28.52 and includes the book. Be warned: Tickets may not be available if you wait too long. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.com.
Where in Delaware is 2 Chainz for his book talk?
Wilmington Public Library (10 E. 10th St., Wilmington) from 6 to 8 p.m. July 21. For more information, visit facebook.com/WilmingtonLibraryDE or Wilmington Public Library’s Eventbrite page or call (302) 571-7400.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
Is Jersey Mike’s the new fast‑food king? How it beat Chick‑fil‑A
Jersey Mike’s beats Chick-fil-A for top customer satisfaction in ACSI study; praised for fresh, made-to-order subs.
Plans for one of the nation’s most popular fast-food chains to open a location in the city of Delaware are moving forward.
Chick-fil-A is planning a new 5,033-square-foot restaurant with a double drive-through lane on a nearly 2-acre site on Delaware’s east side.
The development plans are headed to Delaware City Council after the city’s Planning Commission approved them July 1.
This location would be the first Chick-fil-A in the city of Delaware, but not in the county. The chain has a location in Lewis Center and three in the Polaris area, according to the company’s website.
The popular chicken restaurant, a Chipotle location and other to-be-announced restaurants and retail are part of a new Trailhead Crossing development planned on the eastern edge of Delaware near Sunbury Road (State Route 36) and Sky View Lane, documents indicate. City council approved rezoning the site in February.
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The restaurant will include 92 indoor seats, an outdoor patio with 20 seats and 68 parking spots, planning documents show.
An internal access drive connecting to Sky View Lane from the west and Biltmore Drive from the north will be built within the site and will connect to all the lots within the Trailhead Crossing development. The access from Sky View Lane will be right-in/right-out only. The site will not have access directly from Sunbury Road, city documents state.
Chris Tebbe, an engineer with the Dublin-based firm Tebbe Civil Engineering, didn’t know an exact opening date for the restaurant, but said once plans are approved by the City Council, crews will be working on the location this year into next year.
Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X.
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