Paul Tucker
Updated on: October 11, 2024 5:28 am GMT
In a surprising turn of events, Sussex County has elected a new councilman as Bridgeville businessman Steve McCarron overthrew incumbent Councilwoman Cindy Green in the recent primary election. McCarron received 58% of the votes, totaling 2,535 against Green’s 1,802. This primary reflects a significant shift in the local political landscape, with two incumbents losing their positions as Sussex County Council prepares for a new term.
Election Results Overview
This year’s primary election yielded notable outcomes for Sussex County Council. Alongside McCarron’s victory, Council President Mike Vincent also faced defeat, losing to challenger Matt Lloyd by a margin of 685 votes. The results indicate a potential change in direction for the council, as the newly elected members bring fresh perspectives to the table.
McCarron and Green: A Race of Community Engagement
Steve McCarron’s campaign focused on connecting with the community, a strategy that paid off significantly. During his campaign, McCarron expressed gratitude for the local support he received, emphasizing the importance of understanding the residents’ concerns. “I’m just thankful for the support of the community,” McCarron remarked, highlighting how his interactions with voters shaped his approach to the election.
Green, who has served on the council since being elected in 2020 after a decade as the register of wills, acknowledged the challenges of the race. Despite her efforts, the community opted for a new representation in District 2. With no Democratic challenger for the position, McCarron is set to take office officially in the new term.
<h3Changing Dynamics: Vincent and Lloyd’s Contest
In addition to the District 2 shift, Council President Mike Vincent’s tenure came to an end as he was defeated by Matt Lloyd, a local farmer and Air Force veteran. The vote count registered 1,998 for Lloyd and 1,313 for Vincent, illustrating a decisive preference for change among voters. Lloyd’s campaign goals centered around halting overdevelopment and working towards affordable housing initiatives, resonating with the community’s aspirations for sustainable growth.
Democratic Contender in Rehoboth
In Rehoboth Beach, Claire Snyder-Hall emerged victorious in the Democratic primary, defeating Kathy McGuiness and Marty Rendon. Snyder-Hall will take on Republican Mike Simpler in the upcoming general election. With 1,897 votes, Snyder-Hall’s strong showing reflects the district’s evolving political landscape as it becomes increasingly Democratic due to population growth and redistricting.
I’m going to work hard to defeat Simpler in November,” Snyder-Hall stated, outlining her commitment to addressing critical issues such as health care, the environment, and housing if elected to the General Assembly.
Narrow Victories in Other Primaries
The primary elections in Sussex County also featured a tight race for a seat held by Milford-area Rep. Bryan Shupe. Shupe narrowly retained his position with just 11 votes ahead of challenger Patrick Smith, leading to Smith’s request for a recount. The official count showed Shupe receiving 1,156 votes compared to Smith’s 1,145. The closely contested nature of this race highlights the significant engagement from voters across the district and the importance of every vote cast.
Other Notable Primary Wins
Longtime legislator Sen. Dave Wilson faced competition in the Republican primary but secured his position by a substantial margin, receiving 3,361 votes against challenger Robert Reed’s 1,075. Similarly, incumbent Stell Parker Selby triumphed in a Democratic primary for the Milton area, defeating Brian Jenkins with a vote count of 2,771 to 563.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Sussex County Council
The results from this primary election signal a transition in the makeup of the Sussex County Council. With McCarron and Lloyd gearing up to take office, their campaigns focused on community-driven initiatives will likely shape their approach to governance. The absence of a Democratic challenger for these seats suggests potential shifts in policy direction as these new council members step into their roles, tackling issues relevant to their constituents amid a changing political landscape.
As Sussex County continues to grow and evolve, the insights and concerns raised during the campaigns may guide future decisions in council meetings. Engaged citizens, as evidenced by the voter turnout and candidate platforms, will likely play a crucial role in the next chapter for their local government.
To learn all about the 2024 elections in Delaware, check out Delaware Democrats.
