Former state treasurer and outgoing governor to square off in Wilmington mayoral primary

The race for Wilmington's mayoral seat has intensified following Mayor Mike Purzycki's announcement that he would not seek a third term. Wilmington's upcoming primary election is shaping up to be a contest between two prominent Delaware politicians: former City Treasurer Velda Jones-Potter and outgoing Gov. John Carney.

Both candidates bring significant political experience to the race. Jones-Potter, a Wilmington native and founder of a financial services company, has held positions at the city and state levels. Carney's political career includes three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, two terms as Delaware's lieutenant governor and a stint as state finance secretary.

Velda Jones-Potter candidate for mayor of Wilmington

Jones-Potter, who announced her candidacy in March 2023, is positioning herself as a champion for neighborhood safety, education and economic equity.

As the campaign season progresses, Jones-Potter is emphasizing a message that focuses on local residents. At the Delaware Economic Development Collective's candidate forum on Aug. 14, she stated, "My administration, my leadership as mayor will be people-centered and people-focused." She proposed a different approach to housing, offering residents the opportunity to revitalize vacant, dilapidated homes individually, aiming to make homeownership more accessible and create generational wealth.

A former executive at DuPont and MBNA, Jones-Potter made history in 2009 as Delaware's first African American state treasurer.

While serving as Wilmington's city treasurer, Jones-Potter feuded with Purzycki regarding his plan to help a nonprofit pay its debts. This led to legal battles, culminating in a heated mayoral election in 2020, where Jones-Potter lost to Purzycki in the Democratic primary.

John Carney candidate for mayor of Wilmington

Gov. John Carney, term-limited in his current role, announced his mayoral bid in April 2023. Carney, who has lived in Wilmington for nearly four decades, explained in a statement declaring his candidacy, that Wilmington's success is necessary for Delaware's prosperity. His campaign highlights his gubernatorial achievements, including job creation, educational investments and transforming a state budget deficit into a surplus.

Carney has been a strong supporter of Purzycki's initiatives, often appearing alongside him in public events. Both Carney and Purzycki tout the announcement of Incyte, a leading corporation, which is expanding its presence in Delaware by relocating to Wilmington. The move is seen as a significant boost to the city's economic base. Carney and the mayor also emphasize the governor’s $100 million investment to replace Bancroft Middle School on Wilmington’s East Side with the Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy, marking the city’s first new school in 50 years.

At a recent mayoral forum , Carney emphasized the need to prioritize development in the city's major arteries, such as North Market Street and Maryland Avenue. "The real focus for the next administration needs to be on those commercial corridors that we know about all over the city," Carney said. He stressed the importance of involving local entrepreneurs, small businesses and minority contractors in these initiatives, calling these areas "the lifeblood of this city."

As Sept. 10 primary election day nears, both Jones-Potter and Carney are expected to participate in additional candidate forums hosted by various local organizations in the city.

Wilmington's primary ballot will also include candidates competing for five of the city's eight council district seats and four at-large positions , possibly altering Wilmington's political scene.

You can c ontact reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com .

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Former state treasurer and outgoing governor to square off in Wilmington mayoral primary