Hall-Long announces run for governor

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long announced her candidacy for governor Sept. 12.

“As a nurse, mom and proud Delawarean, I’m running for governor to make Delaware the best place to live, work and raise a family,” said the two-term lieutenant governor in a press release. “There’s work to do to improve access to healthcare, create good-paying jobs, protect our rights and strengthen our education system – and I’m up for the challenge, because when you give a nurse a job, that job gets done.”

Hall-Long was elected lieutenant governor in 2016 after serving in the House of Representatives and state Senate for the Middletown area. Born and raised in Sussex County, she continues to practice as a nurse and teaches nursing at the University of Delaware.

Throughout her two decades of public service, Hall-Long focused on policies and legislation to expand affordable healthcare and mental health services, tackle the opioid epidemic and protect and expand abortion rights. She also supports improving access to affordable child care, paid family and medical leave, the assault weapons ban and gun safety legislation, criminal justice reform and creating safe and equitable communities.

Hall-Long is the second Democrat to announce a run for governor, setting up a primary for the position. New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer announced his run for governor in June. 

Gov. John Carney endorsed Hall-Long Sept. 13. 

“In the two decades I've known her, I've seen Lt. Gov. Hall-Long get results through her remarkable work ethic and her genuine care and concern for the people of this state,” Carney said. “When we took office as governor and lieutenant governor, we worked together to get the state's finances under control. I relied on her experience and judgment as we led the state through an unprecedented pandemic. And she has been my partner as we worked to attract jobs to Delaware and promote public safety. Delawareans will not find a more dedicated leader and champion than Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long. I've been proud to serve alongside her, and I'm proud to endorse her as Delaware's next governor.”