Two presidential candidates have homes in Rehoboth

Who knows? When Democratic presidential debates are scheduled in the coming months, maybe there will be one at the Henlopen Acres Beach Club.

It’s well-known that former Vice President Joe Biden has a home in North Shores, just north of Rehoboth Beach, overlooking Cape Henlopen State Park. Significantly less known is that candidate John Delaney also has a home in North Shores, and this one has an arguably better view than Biden’s.

Delaney is a businessman and former U.S. representative for Maryland's 6th congressional district from 2013 to 2019.

The Delaney house, 2 Ocean Drive, is .7 miles from the Biden house, 32 Far View Road. Biden officially announced his candidacy in late April, while Delaney has been on the campaign trail since 2017, choosing to not run for re-election in 2018.

Biden made local headlines when he purchased the North Shores home in during the summer of 2017. County tax records show he paid $2.7 million for the home.

“Throughout our careers, Jill and I have dreamed of being able to buy a place at the beach at home where we can bring the whole family," Biden wrote in a statement at the time. Since then, pictures of Biden at Cape Region shops and eateries have appeared with regularity on social media.

County records show Delaney purchased his oceanfront home in 2010 for $4.4 million.

Delaney hinted at the Rehoboth connection in a tweet earlier this month after Biden, during a campaign stop in South Carolina, said he was the only real Irishman running for president.

A few days later, Delaney responded, saying, “I’m sure there’s a civil way to figure this all out – maybe over a pint of Guinness in Rehoboth.

Henlopen Acres Mayor Joni Reich said she’s known for a while about the connection between the two men. She said she has friends in Henlopen Acres who are friends with the Delaneys from suburban Maryland. She laughed when asked about being the elected official in closest proximity to two presidential candidates.

“We welcome all candidates who want to run for the highest office in the land,” said Reich.

Delaney’s oceanfront property is the immediate neighbor to the north of the Henlopen Acres Beach Club. Reich said the small town has had a good relationship with the Delaneys, letting the family know in advance when events are planned.

Sussex County Republican Committee Chair Don Petitmermet said he wasn’t aware of the Sussex County connection of the two candidates, but he said he didn’t have much to add, other than on one point.

“Sussex County is a great place to have a second home, and it’s a great place to retire,” said Petitmermet.

Neither Biden nor Delaney responded to requests for comment.