Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long wants to build on long public record as Delaware's governor

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long has continued to let her record speak for itself.

From spending a decade in both the state House of Representatives and Senate to serving in the role of lieutenant governor since 2017 – not to mention her prior experience as a nurse, educator and research scientist – Hall-Long said it is the combination of all these experiences and more that have fueled her passion for not only her campaign but her commitment to make a lasting difference in Delaware.

“It’s not just about the policy,” Hall-Long told Delaware Online/The News Journal's editorial board members on Wednesday, Aug. 28. “It’s about having the capacity and the leadership to know where to take Delaware next.”

But will it be enough?

More about Hall-Long: Despite broad establishment support, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long still faces challenges

In a recent poll conducted by the sponsor Citizens for a New Delaware Way PAC in August, Hall-Long is trailing New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, who now leads the race with 27%.

As of now, Hall-Long still trails with 23%, while president and chief executive officer of the National Wildlife Federation Collin O’Mara stands at 11%.

Despite this, Hall-Long has emphasized that her dedication to public service and commitment to achieving a better Delaware for all will carry her through to the other side.

Here are the takeaways on what a Hall-Long administration would look like if she’s elected as Delaware governor:

Understanding the average Delawarean

Among her many credentials, Hall-Long has stressed how much her family and their experiences living in the First State have shaped not only her vision for the future but also her resolve.

Born and raised on her family’s farm in Sussex County, Hall-Long recalled how her loved ones instilled in her the importance of a quality education and public service.

Hall-Long also credited her grandmother as “the smartest woman [she] ever knew,” who went on to become a prominent businesswoman – all with an eighth grade education. She recalled how her grandmother would drive her to the local hospital to volunteer, ingraining in her “that same vision” of helping and caring for those in need.

Expanding on Carney's leadership

Among Hall-Long’s several endorsements from statewide organizations, unions and elected officials is current Gov. John Carney.

While both have made significant strides in terms of healthcare, climate change solutions and gun safety, among other issues, Hall-Long said that while she does intend to differ in her approach as governor, she would also be “continuing the expansion of what’s really been successful.”

This will include continuing investments in job creation and support of small businesses, achieving universal childcare and creating a cabinet-level position that will further address the needs of both veterans and active members of the military.

“That’s what good government is – about passing the strong baton on what works…and expand on new opportunity,” Hall-Long said.

Her knowledge of the system

Throughout the course of her career, Hall-Long said her years in public health, education and within the walls of the state General Assembly have prepared her to face any challenge that may come her way.

From leading the COVID-19 pandemic resurgence to creating the state’s first Behavioral Health Consortium, Hall-Long has contested that while the fight has not always been glamorous, in the end, it was worth it if it meant change.

“There are things we have to do, and as the next Governor, I’m prepared to take on some of the controversial things,” Hall-Long said.

Staying the course despite negativity

Despite recent scrutiny surrounding campaign finance reports – as well as recent calls made by state officials for her to end her run for Governor – Hall-Long continues to stress that she will “move forward” with her platform, assuring that there was “no fraud” and “nothing hidden.”

She also expressed hope that the gubernatorial race will shift toward focusing on tackling and solving key issues many Delawareans face, remarking how “tired” she is of the presence of negativity that has dominated the race for the last several months.

“I have tried to be very positive, not run a negative campaign [and] I have fought really hard to stay on the issues,” Hall-Long said.

Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. Reach her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Bethany Hall-Long makes pitch for Delaware governor: Takeaways