Delaware lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2024

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← 2020
Delaware Lieutenant Governor
Democratic primary Republican primary General election
Election details
Filing deadline: July 9, 2024
Primary: September 10, 2024 General: November 5, 2024 Pre-election incumbent(s): Bethany Hall-Long (D)
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting in Delaware
Ballotpedia analysis
Federal and state primary competitiveness State executive elections in 2024 Impact of term limits in 2024 State government trifectas State government triplexes Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2024
Delaware executive elections
Governor Lieutenant Governor Insurance Commissioner

Delaware is holding an election for lieutenant governor on November 5, 2024. The primary was September 10, 2024. The filing deadline was July 9, 2024.

For more information about the primaries in this election, click on the links below:

• Delaware lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2024 (September 10 Democratic primary)
• Delaware lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2024 (September 10 Republican primary)

Candidates and election results

General election

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

General election for Lieutenant Governor of Delaware

Kyle Evans Gay and Ruth Briggs King are running in the general election for Lieutenant Governor of Delaware on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
		Kyle Evans Gay (D)
		Ruth Briggs King (R)

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of Delaware

Kyle Evans Gay defeated Sherry Dorsey Walker and Debbie Harrington in the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of Delaware on September 10, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kyle Evans Gay	48.1	39,316
		Sherry Dorsey Walker	37.0	30,309
		Debbie Harrington	14.9	12,181

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. Source	Total votes: 81,806
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• David Lamar Williams Jr. (D)

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Ruth Briggs King advanced from the Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor of Delaware.

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Kyle Evans Gay

Party: Democratic Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Hi, I’m Kyle, and I’m running to be Delaware’s 27th Lieutenant Governor. I’m a mom, an advocate, an attorney, and a State Senator. I was elected to represent Delaware’s 5th Senate District in 2020, flipping a 40-year Republican-held seat from red to blue. Since then, I’ve worked hard to advocate and pass legislation to promote the ideals I campaigned on, including abortion access, voting rights, gun safety, and investment in childcare and education. I’m proud of my record as a State Senator, and I’m now running for Lieutenant Governor to advance my work. If elected, I will continue to lead on legislation that will help expand abortion access, create an economy that works for everyone, invest in our schools and childcare, protect our state from the threats of climate change, and foster safer communities in Delaware."

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Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Delaware’s next Lieutenant Governor needs to lead the fight on making reproductive freedom a reality for all Delawareans. We must be willing to do whatever it takes to protect and expand reproductive rights in our state, and I’m proud of my record on this foundational issue.

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Delaware has what it takes to be a national leader on gun violence prevention. If elected, I will strengthen the historic progress we’ve made on preventing senseless gun violence in our communities

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We need to create an economy that works for Delawareans. If elected, I will continue to help lead legislation that promotes economic mobility for working parents, creates jobs equipped for our future, and supports our small and local businesses.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Delaware

Election information in Delaware: Nov. 5, 2024, election.

What is the voter registration deadline?

• In-person: Oct. 12, 2024
• By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 12, 2024
• Online: Oct. 12, 2024

Is absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

No

What is the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 4, 2024
• By mail: Received by Nov. 1, 2024
• Online: Nov. 1, 2024

What is the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
• By mail: Received by Nov. 5, 2024

Is early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What are the early voting start and end dates?

Oct. 25, 2024 to Nov. 3, 2024

Are all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, is a photo or non-photo ID required?

K.A.

When are polls open on Election Day?

7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Kyle Evans Gay (D)

Delaware’s next Lieutenant Governor needs to lead the fight on making reproductive freedom a reality for all Delawareans. We must be willing to do whatever it takes to protect and expand reproductive rights in our state, and I’m proud of my record on this foundational issue.

Delaware has what it takes to be a national leader on gun violence prevention. If elected, I will strengthen the historic progress we’ve made on preventing senseless gun violence in our communities

We need to create an economy that works for Delawareans. If elected, I will continue to help lead legislation that promotes economic mobility for working parents, creates jobs equipped for our future, and supports our small and local businesses.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Kyle Evans Gay (D)

As a working parent with two young children, I know the value of early education. And we know from the research that children who attend high-quality child care attain higher academic achievement and economic advancement. Yet care is underfunded, and we have failed to invest in strategies to expand accessibility. Investments in early childhood education set kids up for success, keeps parents in the workforce, and ensure childcare workers receive livable wages.

No one should face barriers to voting and participating in our democracy. That’s why I led on legislation for automatic voter registration and voting by mail.

I’ve been a leading advocate for access to reproductive healthcare and access to medical services in the state for all.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Kyle Evans Gay (D)

The elected officials that I’ve been most inspired by, and in whose footsteps I’ve tried to follow, remember that they are elected to office with a duty to serve the people of Delaware –- not their own personal interests. They’re willing to work hard wherever needed, and will pick up any piece of the work that needs done. I support elected leaders who advocate for what’s right regardless of the political challenges, and who encourage frank and open conversations as a way to find common ground and achieve consensus. And lastly, the best elected officials never stop listening - to their constituents, to subject-matter experts, and to those with whom they may disagree. Commitment to openness and life-long learning are especially important for effective elected officials.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Kyle Evans Gay (D)

My first job was in the parking office of a local university. I supported the staff by doing simple office tasks. And although I was old enough to work in Delaware, I was not yet old enough to drive. Luckily my father worked in the same building and made sure I was able to get to work. I still value the early exposure I had to a professional environment, and the work ethic my parents encouraged in me.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Kyle Evans Gay (D)

As a child I was always drawn to stories of empowerment for girls and young women, and as I mom of two young daughters, many of these books continue to be staples in our household. A classic and favorite of mine is Jane and the Dragon, about a young girl who dreams of being a knight. Not only does she achieve her dream, but she redefines what it means - befriending rather than slaying the dragon. Reading stories like Jane's to my young girls reminds me of how far we have come since my childhood. It also reminds me - as a woman in this field - that I belong and that it's my responsibility to continue to challenge our preconceived notions of politics.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Kyle Evans Gay (D)

One little known responsibility of the Lieutenant Governor is the Constitutional requirement for them to serve as a member of the Board of Pardons. This Board oversees all of Delaware’s pardons, reprieves, commutations of sentences, and executive clemency. As an attorney and a criminal justice reform advocate, I know how important it is to provide second chances for people who have turned their lives around. Too much of our country’s history has focused on penalizing offenders over rehabilitating them, with devastating societal consequences. For those who are rehabilitated, a second chance it can provide life-changing opportunities for educational, professional, or personal advancement and open doors to new beginnings. The Board of Pardons is also critically important for victims and victims' families whose voices should not be lost in the process. In managing the Board of Pardons the Lt. Governor must balance these important considerations and have the courage to lead the Board to be compassionate, effective, and equitable in its work. It would be an honor and privilege to serve on the Board of Pardons as Lt. Governor.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Kyle Evans Gay (D)

I do believe it’s beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics. One of the primary functions of this office is to preside over the State Senate, and an understanding of Senate Rules and dynamics is crucial for keeping proceedings running smoothly. Additionally, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor has a unique platform to amplify voices and issues of great importance in the state. Someone with governmental and political experience will have the knowledge and connections already in place to be an effective leader within state government and as an effective partner to the Governor.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Kyle Evans Gay (D)

I have been endorsed by the Delaware Democratic Party, the Delaware State Education Association (DSEA), Delaware AFL-CIO, the Delaware Building and Construction Trade Council, and Brady PAC. I have also been endorsed by Attorney General Kathleen Jennings and State Treasurer Colleen David. Multiple legislative colleagues have endorsed my candidacy, including Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola, Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, and Senate Majority Whip Tizzy Lockman.

You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:

• Ruth Briggs King

Past elections

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2012.

2020

See also: Delaware lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2020

General election candidates

• Bethany Hall-Long  (Incumbent) (Democratic Party) ✔
• Donyale Hall  (Republican Party)

Did not make the ballot:

• Kevin Baron (Independent)

 Democratic primary candidates

This primary was canceled and this candidate advanced:

• Bethany Hall-Long (Incumbent) ✔

 Republican primary candidates

This primary was canceled and this candidate advanced:

• Donyale Hall ✔

2016

See also: Delaware Lieutenant Gubernatorial election, 2016

The general election for lieutenant governor was held on November 8, 2016.

Bethany Hall-Long defeated La Mar Gunn in the Delaware lieutenant governor election.

Delaware Lieutenant Governor, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Bethany Hall-Long	59.44%	248,141
	Republican	La Mar Gunn	40.56%	169,291
Total Votes				417,432
Source: Delaware Secretary of State

2012

See also: Delaware lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2012

Incumbent Matthew Denn defeated challengers Sher Valenzuela (R) and Margie Waite-McKeown (L) in the November 6, 2012 general election.

Lieutenant Governor of Delaware General Election, 2012
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Matthew Denn Incumbent	61.6%	238,959
	Republican	Sher Valenzuela	37.1%	143,978
	Libertarian	Margie Waite-McKeown	1.3%	5,206
Total Votes				388,143
Election results via Delaware State Board of Elections

Election analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about demographics, past elections, and partisan control of the state.

• Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the state.
• Statewide elections - Information about recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections in the state.
• State partisanship - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.
• Demographics - Information about the state's demographics and how they compare to the country as a whole.

• Presidential elections
• Statewide elections
• State partisanship
• Demographics

See also: Presidential voting trends in Delaware and The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Cook PVI by congressional district

Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index for Delaware, 2024
District	Incumbent	Party	PVI
Delaware's At-Large	Open (Lisa Blunt Rochester)	Democratic	D+7

2020 presidential results by 2024 congressional district lines

2020 presidential results in congressional districts based on 2024 district lines, Delaware
District	Joe Biden	Donald Trump
Delaware's At-Large	58.8%	39.8%

2012-2020

How a state's counties vote in a presidential election and the size of those counties can provide additional insights into election outcomes at other levels of government including statewide and congressional races. Below, four categories are used to describe each county's voting pattern over the 2012, 2016, and 2020 presidential elections: Solid, Trending, Battleground, and New. Click [show] on the table below for examples:

County-level voting pattern categories
Democratic
Status	2012	2016	2020
Solid Democratic	D	D	D
Trending Democratic	R	D	D
Battleground Democratic	D	R	D
New Democratic	R	R	D
Republican
Status	2012	2016	2020
Solid Republican	R	R	R
Trending Republican	D	R	R
Battleground Republican	R	D	R
New Republican	D	D	R

Following the 2020 presidential election, 57.7% of Delawareans lived in New Castle County, the state's one Solid Democratic county, which voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in every election from 2012 to 2020, and 24.0% lived in Sussex County, the state's one Solid Republican county. Overall, Delaware was Solid Democratic, having voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2012, Hillary Clinton (D) in 2016, and Joe Biden (D) in 2020. Use the table below to view the total number of each type of county in Delaware following the 2020 election as well as the overall percentage of the state population located in each county type.

Delaware county-level statistics, 2020
Solid Democratic	1	57.7%
Solid Republican	1	24.0%
Battleground Democratic	1	18.4%
Total voted Democratic	2	76.0%
Total voted Republican	1	24.0%

Historical voting trends

Delaware presidential election results (1900-2020)

• 15 Democratic wins
• 16 Republican wins

Year	1900	1904	1908	1912	1916	1920	1924	1928	1932	1936	1940	1944	1948	1952	1956	1960	1964	1968	1972	1976	1980	1984	1988	1992	1996	2000	2004	2008	2012	2016	2020
Winning Party	R	R	R	D	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	R	R	R	D	D	R	R	D	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D

This section details the results of the five most recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections held in the state.

U.S. Senate elections

See also: List of United States Senators from Delaware

The table below details the vote in the five most recent U.S. Senate races in Delaware.

U.S. Senate election results in Delaware
Race	Winner	Runner up
2020	59.4%	37.9%
2018	60.0%	37.8%
2014	55.8%	42.4%
2012	66.4%	29.0%
2010	56.6%	40.0%
Average	59.6	37.4

Gubernatorial elections

See also: Governor of Delaware

The table below details the vote in the five most recent gubernatorial elections in Delaware.

Gubernatorial election results in Delaware
Race	Winner	Runner up
2016	59.5%	38.6%
2012	58.3%	39.2%
2008	69.3%	28.6%
2004	67.5%	32.1%
2000	50.9%	45.8%
Average	61.1	36.9

See also: Party control of Delaware state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Delaware's congressional delegation as of May 2024.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Delaware
Party	U.S. Senate	U.S. House	Total
Democratic	2	1	3
Republican	0	0	0
Independent	0	0	0
Vacancies	0	0	0
Total	2	1	3

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Delaware's top four state executive offices as of May 2024.

State executive officials in Delaware, May 2024
Office	Officeholder
Governor	John Carney Jr.
Lieutenant Governor	Bethany Hall-Long
Secretary of State	Jeffrey W. Bullock
Attorney General	Kathy Jennings

State legislature

Delaware State Senate

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	15
	Republican Party	6
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		21

Delaware House of Representatives

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	26
	Republican Party	15
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		41

Trifecta control

The table below shows the state's trifecta status from 1992 until 2024.

Delaware Party Control: 1992-2024
Sixteen years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99	00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24
Governor	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D
Senate	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D
House	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D

The table below details demographic data in Delaware and compares it to the broader United States as of 2022.

Demographic Data for Delaware
	Delaware	Vereinigte Staaten
Population	989,948	331,449,281
Land area (sq mi)	1,948	3,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White	63.8%	65.9%
Black/African American	22%	12.5%
Asian	4.1%	5.8%
Native American	0.3%	0.8%
Pacific Islander	0%	0.2%
Two or more	6.5%	8.8%
Hispanic/Latino	9.9%	18.7%
Bildung
High school graduation rate	91.2%	89.1%
College graduation rate	34.5%	34.3%
Income
Median household income	$79,325	$75,149
Persons below poverty level	7.5%	8.8%
Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2017-2022).
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

External links

• Search Google News for this topic
• Lieutenant Governor of Delaware official website