The filing deadline for Democrats and Republicans seeking a spot on the ballot this November came and went last week with few surprises, officially setting the stage for two of the most highly anticipated primaries in Delaware’s political history in just over a month.
Record turnouts are expected September 9, when New Castle County voters not only have a choice between Lt. Gov. John Carney and State Treasurer Jack Markell for the Democratic governor nomination, but will also decide between County Executive Democrats Chris Coons and Tom Gordon, the man who held that post from 1997 through 2004.
Both Carney and Markell rank among the state’s most popular Democrats, while Gordon is returning to the political scene after successfully fending off federal corruption charges to challenge Coons, his longtime adversary.
Only a few folks waited until the final hours to throw their hat in the ring. Republican Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell made it official Friday by paying her $1,590 filing fee, but she had announced her candidacy back in April. She will face Democratic Sen. Joseph Biden in the November 4 general election.
Rep. Michael Castle, a Republican, is seeking his ninth term as Delaware’s lone congressman, and will face the winner of a three-way Democratic Primary between Karen Hartley-Nagle, Michael Miller and Jerry Northington.
In the governor’s race, the Carney-Markell winner will face the winner of the Republican Primary between William Swain Lee and Michael Protack. The lieutenant governor’s race pits outgoing Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn, a Democrat, against Republican state Sen. Charles Copeland, both considered rising stars in their respective parties.
Meanwhile, three Democrats are vying for the insurance commissioner’s job being vacated by Denn. The winner of the primary between Gene Reed, Tom Savage and Karen Weldin Stewart will face Republican John Brady in the general election.
In addition to the Coons/Gordon primary for New Castle County executive, Democratic voters will also have a choice among incumbent Paul Clark and challenger William Dunn for County Council President. No Republicans have filed to run for either county office, but the party has until September 2 to nominate candidates.
Minor parties may also nominate candidates up until September 2.
In Brandywine Hundred, Democrat Diana McWilliams is running unopposed for a third two-year term in the 6th House District. In the 7th District, Democrat Bryon Short’s bid for re-election is being challenged by Republican Jim Bowers. In the 10th district, Rep. Robert Valihura, a Republican, will face Democrat Dennis Williams. In the 11th House District, Rep. Greg Lavelle, a Republican, is running unopposed.
In the 4th Senate District, which also includes Greenville and portions of Hockessin, three Republicans and two Democrats are in the running for the state senate seat being vacated by Copeland. Rich Abbott, John Clatworthy and Michael Fleming all want to be the Republican on the ballot, while Dee Durham and Michael Katz are seeking the Democratic nomination.
At the county level, incumbent John Cartier is being challenged by fellow Democrat Carl Colantuono in the 8th Council District in Eastern Brandywine Hundred.
Also in the Greenville area, Democrat Gerald Brady is seeking a second term in representing the 4th House District, but is facing a challenge by Republican Tyler Nixon. Deborah Hudson, a Republican, is running unopposed in the 12th District, which also includes portions of Hockessin and Mill Creek.
Other Hockessin races include the 6th Senate District contest, where the incumbent Liane Sorenson, a Republican, will face the winner of the Democratic Primary between Michael Terranova and John Mackenzie. Nick Manolakos and Joseph Miro, both Republican incumbents, are running unopposed in the 20th and 22nd districts respectively.
Their districts also include portions of Mill Creek, where House Minority Leader Bob Gilligan, a Democrat, is running unopposed in the 19th District. And in the 21st District, Democrat Patricia Creedon and Republican Michael Ramone are vying for the seat being vacated by Pam Maier, who is retiring after 12 years in the General Assembly.
Pike Creek Democrat Timothy Sheldon is running unopposed for New Castle County Council in the 9th District there.
