Here's who Gov. John Carney wants the next Delaware governor to be: The Press Room

Meredith Newman, Delaware News Journal
·2 min read

Welcome to The Press Room, a semi-regular weekly roundup of the major stories and happenings in Delaware politics.

This week’s edition focuses on John Carney’s endorsement for the next governor, the new chief of Capitol police and a judge tossing a lawsuit filed by gun lobbyists.

As always, send story tips, feedback, ideas or gossip to me at mnewman@delawareonline.com.

Carney endorses Hall-Long for governor

Gov. John Carney endorsed Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long for governor just one day after she launched her 2024 campaign.

Carney said last week that the state will “not find a more dedicated leader and champion than" Hall-Long. If elected, Hall-Long would be the second woman to serve as governor and likely the first nurse to ever do so.

DELAWARE POLITICS: Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long announces 2024 run for governor. To face Matt Meyer in primary

“In the two decades I've known her, I've seen Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long get results through her remarkable work ethic and her genuine care and concern for the people of this state,” he said in a statement.

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long applauds Gov. John Carney as he gives his State of the State address on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at Legislative Hall in Dover.
Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long applauds Gov. John Carney as he gives his State of the State address on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at Legislative Hall in Dover.

“When we took office as governor and lieutenant governor, we worked together to get the state's finances under control,” he added. “I relied on her experience and judgment as we led the state through an unprecedented pandemic.”

Hall-Long faces off against New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. This primary is among the many competitive Democratic races in 2024.

New chief of Delaware Capitol Police named

Maj. Elmer Harris has been named as the new chief of the Delaware Capitol Police.

Harris, a Delaware native, has close to four decades of police experience, with much of his career being with the Wilmington Police Department, according to a news release. After retirement, he joined the Delaware Capitol Police in 2017. He also served in the U.S. Army and Reserves for 13 years.

Federal court rules against gun organizations on gun safety law

U.S. District Court Judge Richard Andrews this month dismissed a lawsuit brought by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, challenging a law passed by the Delaware Legislature in 2022.

INSIDE LEG HALL: Delaware lawmakers pass historic gun legislation, including ban on sale of assault weapons

The law made Delaware the first state in the country to repeal a gun industry liability shield, allowing gun violence victims and their families to sue gun dealers.

The law was named after Keshall "KeKe" Anderson, a Delawarean who was an innocent bystander when she was killed in a shooting in 2016. The gun involved in the shooting was bought through a straw purchase at Cabela’s.

The family in 2018 sought to file a lawsuit against Cabela’s, which a judge later dismissed.

Andrews’ decision to toss the lawsuit by gun lobbyists comes at a time when the Delaware Department of Justice is investigating Cabela’s for its lax shoplifting prevention practices.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Gov. John Carney endorses Lt. Hall-Long to be next Delaware governor