Former DNREC Secretary Collin O'Mara is first Democrat to file for gubernatorial primary

Former Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O'Mara on Wednesday officially launched his campaign for governor, becoming the first Democrat to file as a candidate in the state's gubernatorial race.

O'Mara, who currently serves as CEO of the nonprofit National Wildlife Federation, had not previously announced his official run, but campaign finance reports show he raised $123,381 last year.

In his campaign announcement, O'Mara said he is running on a platform of fixing public schools; modernizing state infrastructure and economy; supporting working families and older Delawareans; addressing climate change; and passing amendments to protect Delawareans from discrimination, expand voting rights and widen access to health care.

O'Mara's opponents in the Democratic race, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, have not yet officially filed as candidates for the state primary election on Sept. 10, according to the Delaware Department of Elections. They must file by July 9 to appear on the ballot.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jerrold Price, who is running unopposed within the party, has already filed to appear on the state general election ballot.

MORE: Meyer leads among Democratic gubernatorial candidates, raising over $675K in donations

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at [email protected]. For more reporting, follow them on X at @h_edelman.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Former DNREC secretary becomes first Democrat to file for governor