A deeper Election 2024 dive: Delaware governor, LG, Insurance Commissioner (updated)

The next of what will be a series of several posts as we approach Election Day 2024.

The scene a few elections ago where I used to vote in Maryland.

Initially I did this as just a governor’s post, but with only six remaining candidates (plus a write-in I know little about) I’m combining the remaining state government posts into one. What follows will be a capsule of each campaign from information I have gleaned through the study of their social media, campaign websites, and biographical information where available. For each office, I’ll work through the Republican candidates first, then the Democrats.

And, as always for my readers, most of whom live outside Delaware: consider this a template for covering your local and state races.

For governor, Republicans are hoping to end an eight-election losing streak with the moderate winner of their primary, Mike Ramone.

The 63-year-old former State Representative (since 2008) easily won his primary and advanced to the general election. Website.

Ramone’s primary focus is education, noting: “For too long, Dover has thrown money at the problems without addressing the root causes, forcing an undue burden on taxpayers, teachers, parents, and students.” But his answer is more of the same: “As Governor, Mike will fight to ensure teachers have the tools, resources, and classrooms necessary to provide a quality education.”

He’s also heavily into job creation, as Ramone’s duties outside the legislature include running several businesses, employing 200 people. Thus, he states, “As Governor, Mike will bring his Main Street experience to Dover and consolidate the state income tax, reduce burdensome regulations, and provide much needed relief to hardworking Delawareans.”

Ramone sums up the problems of the state thus: “The status quo in Delaware has been throwing more money at the problems instead of addressing their root causes. As Governor, Mike will promote good governance and responsible spending by holding lawmakers and government agencies accountable for their spending.”

Ramone would deal with crime with the “tools and resources” bromide for the state police, while placing more emphasis on rehabilitation.

For veterans, “Mike will work with legislators to join 39 other states and eliminate the state income tax on veterans benefits. He will expand access to critical mental health resources so the transition back into civilian life is as seamless as possible.”

Ramone also says that he is “committed to conserving the environment. He will work with leaders throughout the state to ensure that Delaware becomes a leader in free market investment and environmental research.” He would put an emphasis on solar and nuclear.

I found his approach to health care intriguing, as one who is more than a little round about the middle. Yes, he talks about ensuring we have access to “effective and efficient” healthcare, but then there’s this:

“We need to declare war on diabetes and the poor choices that lead to it and so many other bad outcomes. So, how does this work for diabetes care? As we live in a world driven by technology and advanced computer chips, technology is an answer. Companies exist to provide measuring and monitoring of baseline blood testing, glucose monitoring, body measuring, individualized diet and exercise plans based on lab testing, and comparative labs, all coordinated with a local health system and well-trained providers to move the needle on wellness. When better wellness is achieved and proactive measuring and monitoring are maintained, outcomes will improve, health will improve, and costs will be reduced.”

He would also invest in infrastructure, as most of his peers of both parties would.

Yet Mike has make some interesting statements on social media, including this upon hearing Joe Biden wouldn’t run again:

“For more than 50 years, President Biden has given Delaware a national voice and served our country with honor. Having know and worked with the Biden family for many years, I have witnessed firsthand his love for Delaware and his commitment to our nation. For his steadfast service to our state and country, and for his deeply felt love for the every man, we thank him.”

He also believed: “Government should make your life easier, not get in the way!… “As Americans, we believe every person has the right to a prosperous and fulfilling life. I will ensure that Delaware’s government protects these rights for all citizens.”

And when he says, “I plan to bring this history of successful bipartisanship to Delaware's failing schools and economy,” you can tell he takes this almost too seriously as he quotes a news story: “‘Delaware Stonewall Democrats celebrated a successful year at Legislative Hall and honored the state’s civil rights leaders...Sen. Peterson thanked Rep. Mike Ramone who also attended the July 20 gathering. Ramone and Sen. Cathy Cloutier were the only Republicans who voted in favor of marriage equality.’

Looking back on more than a decade of progress in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. Thankful to have made a positive impact on Delaware's history!”

He believes he’s the “breath of fresh air” Delaware needs after 32 years of Democrat governors.

In a post-election op-ed he noted, “When I talk to voters, I tell them I am not scarlet red or deep blue — I am Delaware yellow. I have spent my career working with both sides of the aisle because I believe that bringing varying viewpoints to the table fosters meaningful discussion and that balance and transparency are the only ways we address the issues impacting our communities.”

One promise he’s made is to “Build a cabinet that reflects varying viewpoints.” I say it can use a couple people who, like me, are “barely left of militia.”

My thoughts: Just as I said before the primary, Ramone is trying to straddle a fine line by portraying himself as a centrist Republican - which he is, based on his legislative voting record. But the problem the GOP runs into by trying to be liberal-lite is that people can vote for the real thing. It’s a little bit like populism, where people believe that big government is just fine if only they can prune it a bit with “efficiency” and make it suit their ends.

On the other hand, Matt Meyer, who is a decade younger than Ramone, has been New Castle County Executive since 2016, and prior to that was a math teacher. Unfortunately, math is on his side in this state. Website.

Meyer is almost an embarrassment of riches as far as policy ideas go. It’s easier to just link to an 18-page education plan and 21-page “controlling the cost of living” plan than to summarize all those points.

But as far as education goes, and speaking as a former teacher, Meyer wants to rework the state’s “archaic” school funding plan (obviously to increase the money going to schools) as well as include impact fees for new development. Like most other Democrats, he also wants universal pre-K. But he also has interesting ideas in the hopper regarding a limited amount of parental rights and class credit for apprenticeships - it’s unfortunately lost amongst the jargon of increasing the number of teachers of color and funding “restorative justice” programs in school.

Regarding the cost of living, Meyer believes in, “tackling housing costs and availability, expanding health access, and attacking price-gouging by big corporations at a time when average families are feeling pinched.” He would put in a childcare tax credit and enact price gouging laws.

But he has an interesting approach to a gasoline tax rebate, indexing it to income and location based on distance from Wilmington. (My less well-off neighbors would clean up, being in the complete opposite corner of the state.) Meyer will also supposedly cut taxes for the poorer people in our state by soaking the rich with an even more progressive tax system.

Housing is also an issue for Matt. “I will address the regulatory barriers that keep housing prices high and create new programs to finance the construction of housing that meets the needs of our community.” (But I thought he was putting an impact fee on new development.)

“We created policies to reduce the cost of new housing, such as increasing Accessory Dwelling Units and reducing lot size regulations, encouraging the development of vacant or underutilized land in existing neighborhoods, and reimagining old spaces. Infill development is especially important for Delaware, where we value preserving our green spaces and farms. Through the Vacant Spaces to Livable Places initiative, we transformed over 600 vacant housing units into affordable housing.” In other words, he will have carrots and sticks for localities to conform with a state housing policy.

But this was interesting given what I do for a living: “Pursue building code reforms that can bring down the cost of housing without sacrificing safety. One example is the added costs of having two points of egress in apartment buildings. Single-stair buildings have lower costs, provide more access to light in the units, and have more family-friendly floor plans.” (And it’s true. The company I work for just did one.)

Meyer wishes to provide seed funding for affordable housing, believing it can leverage private capital. He also advocates for tenant’s rights.

On health care: increase hospital and insurer competition, allow buy-in to state plan, eliminate medical debt, control drug prices. Enroll all eligible for CHIP/Medicaid.

There should be incentives and reimbursements for patient education about diet, not smoking, and controlling risk factors. We will be a national leader in value-based care, incentivizing our health systems to prevent Delawareans from illness and disease.

Of course, he wants to maintain Delaware’s membership in the Reproductive Freedom Alliance (basically consisting of all states with a Democrat governor), add a right to abortion to the state Constitution, and adopt Medicaid funding for abortion. But he also wants to open a medical school in Delaware.

As is often the case with Democrats, he is a “gun sense” candidate and advocate for additional LGBT+ rights.

Two other things I noticed in Matt’s frequent social media updates was his willingness to help downticket candidates, and this statement regarding assisted suicide: “I stand with those who support medical autonomy and the right to die with dignity and, if elected, will make this law. We must continue together to champion policies that respect the personal freedoms of all Delawareans.” So if the bill properly vetoed by Governor Carney gets passed next year, that slippery slope starts there.

My thoughts: While Matt is squarely in the liberal Democrat camp, it appears there are things our side could work with him on to mitigate the damage. (After all, he claims to want to “Make sure Kent and Sussex Counties have equitable seats at the table” and we are purple to almost ruby-red counties.) He does seem to understand the state’s role in government moreso than just leaning on Uncle Sugar Daddy. However, having said that, it would be better to start tilting the state back in the other direction and let Meyer go back to teaching.

There is also a write-in candidate by the name of Danny “Ace” Valentine who I know little about, even looking up the unique name. It appears he is a Wilmington businessman who has dabbled in acting.

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It’s been four decades since Delaware elected a Lieutenant Governor of a different party than the Governor, but there’s always the chance it could happen again. Prior to 1984, this happened three times in twelve years. And it’s ladies first, last, and always as no men are currently seeking the position.

When last we looked, Ruth Briggs King (or RBK) was in the Delaware House of Representatives from 2009-23, resigning because she was moving out of her district. She was also an unsuccessful House candidate in the 2000 election, and is 68 years old. Website. Since she had no primary, this is her introduction to the rest of the state.

RBK stresses education, as she was a former educator herself. I liked the openness in revealing her answers to the DSEA survey; as expected she didn’t get the endorsement despite being the only educator in the field. Best line: “I would focus on the allocation of funds and ensure that money follows the student.” Include parochial schools and homeschooling in that and I might be led to stroke a check. She also wants to make it easier for “non-traditional” teachers. She’s also come out with some answers to chronic absenteeism.

As far as business goes, she notes: “Small Businesses cannot develop because they lack the appropriate infrastructure. As a legislator, Ruth fought to reduce government regulation and ease the burden on entrepreneurs. Recognizing the growing popularity of vocational education, she believes that trade work is a key contributor to helping businesses grow on a local level.”

Delaware ranks last in the nation for GDP growth. By removing regulatory roadblocks, Ruth will push legislation that allows businesses to flourish.

While she also emphasizes safety and wants to address the crisis in healthcare for our veterans, she’s also an advocate for our farmers: “A fifth-generation farming family, Ruth grew up in rural Sussex County. Ruth understands the hard work and value the agricultural community has for Delaware’s economy. As Lieutenant Governor, Ruth will fight to preserve Delaware’s farmland and protect our environment.” The only ask I have is that farmers have the flexibility to restore land to a developable state on a generational basis (20-25 years.) Some farmers survive lean years on selling their outlots.

She also makes a good point about healthcare: “Migration and retirement from other states have put a tremendous strain on Delaware’s healthcare system. Ruth has observed hospitals struggling to bring in specialties and expand to meet the growing needs of the population. As Lieutenant Governor, Ruth will push legislation that supports the expansion of primary and emergency care for communities throughout Delaware.”

On this one I have a bone to pick with her, though: “Delaware was losing business and impacting the qualify of life with the lack of rural broadband services. Her first steps in the legislature were to bring this issue to the forefront for rural areas, increasing the potential for economic growth and personal communication. Because of Ruth’s leadership, Delaware is prepared to install fiber and increase access throughout the state.” No, ma’am, they’ve actually sloughed it off on the federal government after a half-assed attempt.

But I do like this quote: “Ruth speaks out on what everyone is thinking but not saying.” She and I would get along just fine.

My thoughts: Not having a primary works to RBK’s advantage. She is the only candidate from Sussex County, so with their GOP vote pretty much sewn up she can take her moderate approach to independent voters sick of the other side making this a one-issue election.

On the Democrat side, we have Kyle Evans Gay, or KEG. She’s been a State Senator since 2021. Like her fellow Senator, Sarah McBride, KEG is “running from cover” as her State Senate seat is not on the 2024 ballot. She is a practicing attorney who “focuses her practice on litigation and government law,” according to her employer. Website.

A lot of what you need to know about KEG is on her “Meet Kyle” page: “In Dover and through my work with Delaware’s abortion fund, I worked closely with legislative leaders and advocates to ensure Delawareans seeking reproductive care were protected from the ramifications of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Whomever Delaware elects in 2024 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.” The snippet of her page is definitely the focus of her campaign, as she otherwise doesn’t have a true platform, simply stating her work to “reform” the child care and criminal justice systems.

As covered by Delaware Public Media, “In a video announcing her run, Evans Gay focuses on making things easier for Delaware families, touting her votes to raise the minimum wage, provide security for seniors, and expand access to childcare and abortion rights.” Yep, there’s that A word again.

Per her social media, she’s also been recently endorsed by Brady PAC, Moms Demand Action anti-gun group, the state AFL-CIO, DSEA teachers’ union, Delaware Building Trades union, and the state Democrat Party. She even got an endorsement by Vote Mama, which is described as “dedicated to electing more moms to office who will champion the issues that matter most to families—like protecting the right to choose, ensuring affordable childcare, and passing meaningful paid family leave policy. That's because they know moms get stuff done.” But for some reason they only endorse Democrat moms.

More recently, KEG was at a White House conference where she summarized, “It was an honor to be asked to speak at the White House States Convening on Childcare this morning. I talked about what's possible in our state - from what we are doing to address the challenges families can face finding quality child care, to the legislation I led on addressing cost disparities in childcare statewide, to our responsibility to support our education workforce.”

Has it ever occurred to you that some moms are very happy to be stay at home moms, or would be if they weren’t forced into the workplace to keep the family afloat in these perilous economic times?

My thoughts: An “Abortion Barbie” straight out of Democrat Central Casting. I doubt she has an independent thought in her head. Maybe she should have been named Karen instead of Kyle.

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I finally learned a little bit about Ralph Taylor, the Republican running for Insurance Commissioner. Here was a good start on his “about” page:

As a servant of Jesus Christ, my priorities of faith, family, and community are unwavering. My wife, Jean and I have been married for 30 years. She is a master naturalist, wildlife rehabilitator, and we’ve co-owned The Bug Guy pest control service since 2012.

They’re good priorities, and it’s worth noting that the incumbent in the race came from being a county Sheriff (although he sold insurance early in his career for a few years.)

But this is a little bit thin, and probably needs more explanation:

Insurance is mandatory thus it must be affordable, accessible, fully transparent and practiced fairly, while holding all parties accountable for their contractual obligations. My campaign will focus on integrity while fulfilling the mission and duties of the office. Furthermore, I will aspire to create a work environment that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive.

Granted, it’s a position where you run an office but I would love to know just what reforms Ralph would like to make. There are good Republicans who may be able to help him out who have run for the office before but this is a job which presumably has a steep learning curve. I know I learned quite a bit in a short time when I ventured into that field many years (pre-Obamacare) ago.

The Democrat is incumbent Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, who has been in office since 2017. Of the statewide candidates, he’s the only one not term-limited out, seeking to jump to higher office, or just retiring.

Navarro says:

Since my election almost four years ago my first priority has been to protect Delaware’s insurance consumers.  This mission has several facets to it. First, we regulate insurance companies to make sure they follow the law and our regulations.  We do financial analysis on insurance companies to make sure they are solvent to pay claims.  I’ve also endeavored to lower rates wherever possible.

This is what I want: what I would like from whoever wins is some advocacy to bring in another health insurer as well as overtures to federal officials to promote competition by allowing us to buy insurance from other states. Also, lobby the legislature to decrease the number of mandates on coverage and allow more of an a la carte system. I don’t need maternity coverage and I’ve no plans on changing my gender, so that’s out too!

Navarro hasn’t updated his website since his last run and locked up the social media page it linked to, so he must think he has it in the bag. Considering I just started seeing yard signs from his opponent scattered in vacant lots along Route 13, he may be right.

Until my next election focus, which will be on my local races, remember you can Buy Me a Coffee since I have a page there.