Lewes mayor will not seek re-election

Lewes Mayor Andrew Williams has announced he will not seek re-election. Williams dropped the bombshell as the Feb. 10 council meeting was about to adjourn.

“There are some personal things in my life, both good and bad, and you have to sort of weigh those things because you’re signing up for a full three-year term. I’ve made the decision that I’m not up for it,” Williams said.

Williams said he would have more to say closer to the end of his term. Williams was elected in 2022, defeating incumbent Mayor Ted Becker.

“It has nothing to do with this group up here. It’s been very good,” he said. “City staff and the police department are in a really good place.”

Williams said he would not rule out running again in the future, but is taking a break so he “might have the energy to do that.”

Councilman Joe Elder said he enjoyed serving with Williams. The other council members did not make any comment.

Betsy Reamer, executive director of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, worked closely with Williams to promote Lewes businesses.

“We had a good working relationship that began during COVID, when we worked to keep locally-owned businesses open,” Reamer said.

Williams and Reamer recorded a series of TV commercials for the “Love Lewes” campaign aimed at letting people local merchants were open during and after the pandemic.

Jim Ford spent 12 years on city council and 10 years as mayor before he decided not to run again in 2014.

“The job was very demanding in time and commitment. I think it’s even more so now,” Ford said. “I was 61, I had grandkids. As I got closer to retirement, I wanted to finish out my job and focus on family. It was time to move on.”

He said he is looking forward to watching this year’s election from the sidelines.

“It’s all part of local politics. It’s more fun to watch than to participate,” Ford said.

The filing period for the May 10 municipal election will be open March 1 through April 3.