Former state Natural Resources Secretary Collin O’Mara has more than $870,000 cash on hand as he considers entering the race for governor.
O’Mara, a Democrat who resides with his family in Bear, currently heads the National Wildlife Federation.
A release stated that O’Mara has “received encouragement from across the state to run, as Delawareans seek a better option for governor. O’Mara’s record of leadership and vision on issues critical to Delawareans – from creating family-sustaining jobs and improving school performance to fighting the climate crisis and reducing the cost of living – has already attracted a broad and diverse coalition.”
During three weeks in December, O’Mara raised $123,381 and has provided a loan of $750,000 in the event that he enters the race with announced candidates, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer.
Last week, the Hall-Long campaign released results of a poll showing the lieutenant governor holding a slight lead over Meyer with the margin increasing when her biography was featured. At the same time, the poll indicated that half of those polled had not made up their minds on their choice.
The cash-on-hand figure includes contributions from hundreds of individual donors. O’Mara also provided a loan of $750,000 to the campaign in the event that he jumped into what would become a three-way race.
“Traveling up and down our state and speaking with thousands of folks over the past few weeks – it’s clear that Delawareans aren’t happy with the state of the race for governor,” O’Mara stated. “Delawareans want a real choice, big ideas, and a bold vision that meets this moment. The support we’ve received from nearly two hundred small-dollar donors across Delaware has been incredibly encouraging. Every day, it becomes increasingly clear that Delaware needs a new generation of leadership. I look forward to finalizing a decision in the coming weeks.”
The state has been under the control of Democrats who now control both houses of the Legislature and all statewide offices.
Jerry Price, a former Rehoboth and New York City police officer, has entered the race on the Republican side. However, the state party says another candidate could run in the primary.
