The Delaware primary is less than two weeks away.
Here’s a refresher on the basic details of the upcoming primary, including how one can vote in the Sept. 13 election. Early voting begins Aug. 31. Here’s are the locations for early voting.
Though every General Assembly lawmaker and several statewide politicians are up for re-election this year, not everyone has a primary challenger. There are more than a dozen primary races on Sept. 13. Here’s where to check out who is running for office in your district, and to learn more about them.
Here are (some of) the races we’re keeping an close eye on:
1. Auditor
The auditor’s race is the only statewide primary, and it’s likely to be the most watched race. Incumbent Kathy McGuiness is facing off against lawyer and accountant Lydia York. This race is an unprecedented election for several reasons.
McGuiness is the first statewide elected official to be charged with crimes and found guilty. She has denied any wrongdoing, and has told voters she’s the victim of an unfair, political prosecution.
McGuiness, who has filed several motions, has yet to be sentenced, and even two weeks before the election, it’s unclear when that will happen. There is a likely possibility that she could be sentenced after the election. If she wins, things could get complicated.
York, unlike McGuiness, has the support of the Delaware Democratic Party. She’s also raised significantly more money than the auditor in a short period of time.
“I am running for auditor to ensure that the auditor’s office operates with a level of accountability and transparency,” her campaign literature reads.
2. State Senate District 16
Sen. Colin Bonini, a conservative Dover Republican who has been in office for nearly 30 years, is facing a competitive primary election. Bonini, who famously has never voted for the state budget, is a supporter of former President Donald Trump.
He faces two Republican challengers: Eric Buckson and Kim Petters.
Buckson, who is currently a commissioner on Kent County Levy Court, is the son of former Gov. David P. Buckson. Petters, an Air Force Veteran, rose to prominence when she spoke out against school mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. State Representative District 13
House Majority Whip John “Larry” Mitchell is facing his first primary challenger since being elected in 2006. He previously worked as a police officer for the New Castle County Police Department.
His opponent is progressive candidate DeShanna Neal, who became an LGBTQ advocate following their daughter Trinity’s transition, which Delaware Online documented.
4. State Senate District 14
The Democratic race to fill Sen. Bruce Ennis’ seat is the most crowded primary this year. The Dover Democrat is retiring after 40 years.
The candidates are:
- Michael “Tater” Hill-Shaner, a secondary special education coordinator at Smyrna School District
- Kevin Musto, a pharmacist and owner of Atlantic Apothecary, a pharmacy in Smyrna and Atlantic Apothecary in Camden
- Kyra Hoffner, a lobbyist with the League of Women Voters
- Sam Noel, a veteran and union organizer who serves as the chair of the 28th District for the Delaware Democratic Party.
- Robert Sebastiano, a state employee who previously worked with the Delaware General Assembly within the Controller General’s Office
5.,6. State Representative District 1 + 2
Two Wilmington representatives are facing primary challengers, both of whom entered the race this July.
Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, who represents District 1, is facing Shané Darby, currently Wilmington city councilwoman.
Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden, who has represented District 2 for more than a decade, is being challenged by James Taylor, who works for the state Department of Finance’s Office of Unclaimed Property.
For more information on the candidates, go toVote411.org.
