- Delaware State Representative Mike Ramone, who has represented the 21st District since 2008, will not seek reelection.
- Ramone said he plans to run for governor of Delaware.
- If Ramone were to file his candidacy, there could be a three-way primary among Republicans vying for Delaware governor.
Republican state Rep. Mike Ramone of Pike Creek said he will not seek re-election to the House of Representatives this year, choosing instead to run for governor of Delaware.
Ramone announced his intention to run for First State governor in an interview on a Delmarva radio talk show on Friday, explaining that he plans to file his candidacy on Monday.
Ramone announced Friday in a news release from the House Republican Caucus that the Republican incumbent will not seek reelection to the 21st District seat in November.
Ramone, who currently serves as House Minority Leader, plans to relocate downstate, which would prevent him from retaining his seat. Additionally, the release states that Ramone plans to run for governor.
“I felt uncomfortable seeking a new term in the House under these circumstances,” he said in the release. “While we are excited to be opening our new business in the coming days, we will certainly miss being able to directly serve the residents of District 21.”
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Ramone intends to run for governor on the Republican ticket, and a three-way primary will be held in September. Julian Murray, chairman of the Delaware Republican Party, says he plans to file his candidacy for governor on May 8th. Meanwhile, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jerrold Price has filed to run for the December 2023 election and is on the ballot.
The future of the 21st ward
Ramone was first elected in 2008 and was re-elected by a narrow margin in 2022.
Two Democratic candidates are vying for the seat. Michael Smith (not to be confused with 22nd District Representative Michael F. Smith), a former legislative aide and substitute teacher, and Frank Burns, a climate change activist and biotech entrepreneur, are up for the challenge. It ended in failure. Ramone in 2022.
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In addition to serving as House Minority Leader, Mr. Ramone also serves on the Executive Committee, Ethics Committee, Rules Committee, Legislative Council, and Veterans Affairs Committee.
Mr. Ramone thanked his constituents for allowing him to serve for the past 16 years.
“Your support over the years has meant so much to Lisa and me,” he said. “My family is forever grateful to each and every one of you.”
Delaware gubernatorial election
The Republican gubernatorial candidate will face one of three Democratic gubernatorial candidates in the Nov. 5 general election.
Lt. Gov. Bethany Halllong, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer and former Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management Secretary Colin O’Mara are all running on the Democratic ticket.
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Mr. Price, the Democratic candidate and the only Republican gubernatorial candidate, is invited to attend the Governor’s Forum on Delaware’s Education System, sponsored by the Delaware Vision Coalition, to be held at Polytech High School near Woodside on Wednesday, May 8th at 7:00 p.m. It was done. This is the first time an event for gubernatorial candidates has been held in Delaware.
Any tips? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com. Follow @mandy_fries on X.