Who’s backing candidates for governor? Endorsements broken down ahead of Delaware primary

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.