Delaware primaries shake up ballot amid Carney and Carper exits

The upcoming state primaries in Delaware are significantly influenced by the departures of key political figures, including Governor John Carney and U.S. Senator Tom Carper. Carney, who is unable to seek a third term as governor, will still appear on ballots as a candidate for mayor of Wilmington. Meanwhile, Carper's decision not to run for a fifth Senate term has opened the race for his seat, marking the first open-seat U.S. Senate race in Delaware since 2010. With Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long endorsed by Carney and running for governor, the primaries will see both Democratic and Republican candidates vying for various positions, including the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Lisa Blunt Rochester. The primaries are set to take place on Tuesday, with a total of 12 districts holding contested races out of the 21 state Senate seats and all 41 state House seats up for election in 2024. Voter participation is limited to registered party members, with Democrats and Republicans unable to vote in each other's primaries. In the 2020 presidential election, New Castle County accounted for a significant portion of the statewide vote, making it a crucial area for candidates. The gubernatorial primary is particularly competitive, as both Hall-Long and Meyer claim New Castle as their political base, potentially splitting the vote there. As the primaries approach, early voting trends show a higher turnout among Democrats compared to Republicans. The Associated Press will provide updates on the results and any significant developments, including candidate concessions or declarations of victory, as the primaries unfold.