By Joseph Edelen

WILMINGTON — Sen. Sarah McBride - a Democratic candidate for Delaware’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives - has raised more than $2.14 million for her campaign, setting a record for the most money raised by any candidate for an open congressional seat in state history.

The Wilmington state senator eclipsed the mark set by Gov. John Carney during his congressional pursuit in 2010, where he raised about $2.1 million from the launch of his campaign to the general election in November that year.

“From the incredible generosity of Delawareans chipping in to support this campaign, to the 600 volunteers who are already out knocking on doors and making phone calls, to the labor unions and elected officials that have endorsed this campaign, the excitement that we're seeing out there for a candidate who is able to roll up their sleeves, dive into the details, bring people together and deliver real and lasting change; All of that is energizing me as we head into the final 100 days of this primary campaign,” Sen. McBride told the Daily State News on Friday.

Ahead of the Sept. 5 primary election, Sen. McBride is one of two Democratic candidates seeking the congressional seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, who is running to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Tom Carper.

Eugene Young, former Delaware State Housing Authority director, is also running and has raised over $401,000 through the first quarter of 2024, which ended March 31. The former cabinet member launched his congressional pursuit in July 2023 and has since received an endorsement from Gov. Carney.

Sen. McBride has built a list of endorsements that includes more than 20 Delaware labor unions, 21 members of the General Assembly and four statewide elected officials.

While continuing her work in the General Assembly, Sen. McBride has continued campaigning in each of Delaware’s three counties.

The conversations she is having with voters is not new, Sen. McBride said, as she traveled and connected with Delawareans as a senator – while working to pass paid family and medical leave – and while working for former Gov. Jack Markell and former Attorney General Beau Biden.

“I'm incredibly excited about hopefully having the opportunity of representing everyone across the state, because this campaign is about making sure that every single Delawarean is seen and heard,” Sen. McBride told the Daily State News.

“That's what my service in Congress will be about, making sure that every Delawarean -those who vote for me and those who don't vote for me, those who are Democrats, Independents or Republicans, Delawareans of every background and in every corner of the state - to guarantee that their voices are heard in the halls of Congress.”

Delaware’s primary election will take place on Sept. 10, while the general election will take place Nov. 5.

There is currently one Republican in the race for Delaware’s seat in the U.S. House, which is Dover-based veteran and businessperson Donyale Hall.

Department of Elections