O’Mara officially enters governor’s race

Collin O’Mara, former secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, officially entered the race for governor March 13, as the first Democrat to file for the seat, leading up to a possible three-person primary race in September.

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall Long and New Castle Executive Matt Meyer earlier announced their intentions to run for governor, but neither has officially filed. 

O’Mara launched an exploratory committee in December 2023 to determine whether Delaware Democrats wanted a different option in the race for governor. In a statement, O’Mara said after speaking with hundreds of Delawareans, conducting research and participating in candidate forums, it became clear that Democrats want both a more progressive choice on the ballot and a more ambitious progressive policy agenda – all of which align with O’Mara’s progressive values and policy priorities.

“Six months from now, Delaware Democrats will vote in the most consequential gubernatorial primary in a generation. Democrats want more than incremental change; they want a new generation of progressive leadership that can deliver bold action,” said O’Mara, who is currently the CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “I’m running for governor to offer an ambitious agenda and provide a progressive alternative on the ballot for Democrats. Being the First State can’t just be our history; it has to be our future.” 

In addition to filing the necessary paperwork with the State Election Commission, O’Mara also released a video and launched a website with his detailed policy agenda that focuses on fixing public schools, building an inclusive 21st-century economy, supporting working families and older Delawareans, leading on climate and environmental justice, and protecting fundamental rights.