Delaware Governor John Carney has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the upcoming Wilmington mayoral race. His announcement follows current Wilmington mayor Mike Purzycki’s decision not to seek reelection.
Carney – who had previously expressed his contemplation over a potential bid – made his candidacy official on Monday right here on detv.
Having served two terms as Delaware’s governor and three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives prior to that – carney brings a wealth of political experience to the mayoral race. Additionally – his tenure as Delaware’s lieutenant governor and secretary of finance demonstrates a deep-rooted commitment to the state’s governance.
In a statement declaring his candidacy – carney outlined key priorities for his mayoral campaign – emphasizing a focus on bolstering public education, expanding affordable housing, and supporting small and minority-owned businesses throughout the city. His dedication to the betterment of Wilmington aligns with his broader vision for delaware’s overall prosperity.
Carney’s announcement sets the stage for a competitive democratic primary in september – with velda jones-potter emerging as his primary opponent.
Jones-potter — a former city treasurer and notable figure in delaware politics – launched her mayoral campaign last year – positioning herself as a formidable contender in the race. Her experience as the first african american to hold statewide office in delaware – coupled with her background in finance and executive leadership roles – underscores her qualifications for the mayoral position.
Her campaign platform revolves around themes of neighborhood safety, community empowerment, and efficient resource allocation within the city.