Delaware election 2024: Matt Meyer and Michael Ramone face off in the race for governor

Ramone has argued that Delawareans would be better served by restoring political balance to state government. He is known for his willingness to work across party lines and has won re-election multiple times in a district where Democrats significantly outnumber Republicans. His reputation for bipartisanship could help him appeal to moderate Democrats and independent voters, but he faces an uphill battle in solidly blue Delaware, where voter registration numbers favor Democrats.

Both Meyer and Ramone focused heavily on education during the gubernatorial campaign. Meyer, a former middle school math teacher, says his priorities include increasing funding for public schools, particularly for low-income students, students with disabilities and English language learners. He has also called for universal preschool education and higher salaries for public school teachers.

Ramone supports performance-based incentives for Delaware teachers, expanded access to voucher programs and more money going into classrooms instead of school administrators.

Ramone, who was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2008, became the Republican gubernatorial nominee after winning 72% of the vote in a three-party Republican primary.

Meyer entered the general election race against Ramone after defeating Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and former state Environment Secretary Collin O’Mara in a Democratic primary. Meyer, who received 47% of the vote, led all candidates in fundraising, but he was also helped by a scandal surrounding Hall-Long’s campaign finances and reports about her use of her office staff for non-governmental work.

Outgoing Democratic Gov. John Carney, who is barred by law from seeking a third term, appeared poised to become mayor of Wilmington, Delaware’s largest city, after his victory in the Democratic primary in September.

Polling stations are open on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.