Bethany Hall-Long, currently serving as Lieutenant Governor, has announced her campaign to become Delaware's next governor, bringing a background in nursing, education, and extensive public service to address the state's pressing issues. Her journey from a Sussex County family farm to potential governorship reflects a career built on healthcare expertise and legislative experience, having served as State Representative and Senator while chairing key committees including the state retiree healthcare benefits committee and the Pandemic Resurgence Committee. During the COVID-19 crisis, Hall-Long personally administered over 4,000 vaccines and organized vaccination drives statewide, demonstrating hands-on leadership in public health emergencies.
Under the current Carney-Hall-Long administration, Delaware has experienced significant economic growth with over 32,000 jobs created alongside substantial investments in public education including statewide educator pay raises. As Lieutenant Governor, Hall-Long has worked to streamline government processes, notably reducing the backlog for pardons and commutations from years to months through administrative improvements. Her campaign platform centers on maintaining economic strength for both large and small businesses, ensuring quality public education regardless of zip code, and fighting for affordable healthcare access while emphasizing environmental protection and green energy investment.
One of Hall-Long's most ambitious proposals involves enacting universal childcare, which she argues would benefit working families and businesses alike by addressing workforce participation barriers. Her experience and vision have garnered endorsements from Governor John Carney, numerous state leaders, and organizations including the Delaware AFL-CIO, the Delaware Building Trades, and the Delaware State Education Association, signaling broad confidence in her leadership capabilities. These endorsements highlight her established relationships within Delaware's political and labor communities as documented in campaign materials at https://www.bethanyfordelaware.com/endorsements.
The political context of the race includes contrast with opponent Matt Meyer, who has faced controversies during his tenure as county executive involving lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and claims of unethical behavior. Hall-Long emphasizes her consistent voting record on democratic issues and her co-sponsorship of over 1,000 bills during her legislative career as evidence of her policy commitment. A critical economic issue she addresses is preservation of the Delaware Corporate Franchise, a significant source of state budget revenue, positioning herself as a defender of this economic pillar against perceived threats.
If elected, Hall-Long would become Delaware's second woman governor and the nation's first nurse governor, combining healthcare system understanding with political experience in what she describes as unique qualifications for addressing complex policy challenges. Her campaign continues to emphasize commitment to cutting red tape for affordable housing construction and protecting reproductive healthcare freedom, issues that resonate with many Delaware voters. As the election approaches, voters face a choice between contrasting leadership styles and policy priorities that will shape Delaware's trajectory, with Hall-Long's campaign gaining momentum through her emphasis on practical solutions grounded in her professional background.
