Matt Meyer

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW CASTLE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Bethany Hall-Long

legis.delaware.gov.

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By Joseph Edelen

WILMINGTON — New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer has now raised more than $2 million in his pursuit to become Delaware’s next governor, according to his campaign.

The announcement comes nearly a month after the release of annual campaign finance reports for 2023, in which Mr. Meyer raised over $500,000 more than his Democratic counterpart, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long.

“I am deeply humbled by the overwhelming support our campaign has received from across the state,” Mr. Meyer said in a statement. “This incredible milestone is a testament to our shared vision for Delaware in which we address climate change head-on, properly invest in our schools, and make housing more affordable so hard-working families can finally get ahead.”

According to the Meyer for Delaware campaign, the New Castle County Executive has received nearly 5,000 contributions, 80% of which have come from Delawareans.

Following the release of 2023 finance reports, campaign spokesperson Michael Atkins said the total “positions us as front-runners for the Democratic nomination."

The only other Democrat to officially file for a gubernatorial bid, Lt. Gov. Hall-Long ended 2023 with $688,248 on hand.

While no fundraising updates have been provided by the campaign since, 2023 totals included $171,207 in individual contributions, $4,400 in personal contributions, $1,455 in loans and the transfer of nearly $655,000 from her lieutenant governor campaign committee.

Of those contributions, $125,000 was raised during a pause in Lt. Gov. Hall-Long’s fundraising efforts from Sept. 28 through Oct. 26.

The halt in fundraising occurred while an internal audit of the lieutenant governor’s campaign finance reports was performed, which ultimately found that Lt. Gov. Hall-Long and her family improperly listed personal loans as expenditures for campaign-related expenses dating seven years prior.

While both candidates have continued their campaign efforts whilst serving in their respective offices, a potential third candidate has also outlined their fundraising totals.

National Wildlife Foundation CEO Collin O’Mara, a former secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, established a gubernatorial campaign committee to explore a run for governor of the First State.

During December 2023, Mr. O’Mara raised $123,381 in contributions, while making a personal loan of $750,000 to the campaign.

In addition to Mr. O’Mara and Lt. Gov. Hall-Long’s campaign loans, Mr. Meyer has also lent his campaign $200,000.