DOVER — Is the race for lieutenant governor already getting crowded?

Former Sussex County Register of Wills Gregory Fuller is running, joining Levy Court Commissioner Brad Eaby in the battle to fill the currently empty seat. Both are Democrats.

With more than 16 months until the primary election, the jostling could get much more frenetic.

Greg Fuller

“I just believe that this is something that I’m supposed to do at this particular time,” said Mr. Fuller, who resides in Lincoln. “I’m not running to point out what’s wrong and what’s right or who’s wrong and who’s right. We need a proper demonstration of what serving others looks like.”

He said it’s been something he has considered for several years, and in January he finally decided to begin campaigning, albeit in somewhat limited capacity since the election is so far off.

Mr. Fuller was appointed register of wills by then-Gov. Ruth Ann Minner in 2008. He was defeated by current register Cynthia Green in his bids for election in 2010 and 2014.

He said he will focus on four areas if elected: children, seniors, veterans and ex-criminals. Although he declined to go into specifics, noting serious policy discussions will not begin in public for months, Mr. Fuller cited his experience working with people in each category.

As register, he said, he worked with many seniors providing end-of-life tips, something he continues today despite no longer holding the post. An Army veteran, he has worked with groups that try to assist homeless veterans.

Mr. Fuller also touted his background as a former employee of the Department of Correction and current employee of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Families helping to prevent recidivism.

He said he’s spoken briefly to Mr. Eaby but not in the context of the two competing against one another.

Although the state runs its governor and lieutenant governor on separate tickets, the lieutenant governor is often seen as the heir apparent. Two of Delaware’s last four chief executives served as lieutenant governor first, and there has been speculation about U.S. Rep. John C. Carney Jr. and Attorney General Matthew P. Denn, both former lieutenant governors, gunning for the top job in 2016.

With former Attorney General Joseph R. “Beau” Biden III having announced last April he intends to run for governor, ensuring a candidate with similar priorities and ideas would seem to be a priority for his team and the state Democratic Party.

Mr. Fuller said he has not spoken to Mr. Biden, and Mr. Eaby previously declined to comment on the matter.

The former register said he has been traveling throughout the state meeting with residents at various events in an effort to get his name out, particularly “north of the canal.”

He said he’s in the process of formulating a campaign team and believes his experience campaigning in Sussex has helped him prepare for a statewide run.

“I just am one of those that fights for the little people,” he said.

Candidates cannot officially file until January.