Matt Meyer, Delaware’s governor-elect as of November 5, 2024, is a figure whose journey from teaching math to leading the state is as diverse as it is inspiring.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 29, 1971, in Bay City, Michigan, Meyer grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. He attended Wilmington Friends School and later graduated cum laude from Brown University, majoring in political science and computer science. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School, where he contributed to the Michigan Law Review.

Professional Ventures

Meyer’s career is a tapestry of varied experiences:

• Education: He began as a public school math teacher in Washington, D.C., through Teach for America, and later taught at Prestige Academy in Wilmington.
• Entrepreneurship: In Nairobi, Kenya, Meyer co-founded Ecosandals, a company producing environmentally friendly footwear, which sold products in 17 countries across five continents.
• Diplomacy: Serving as a diplomat in Mosul, Iraq, Meyer worked as a senior economic adviser, collaborating with military and aid leaders to support the Iraqi people.
• Legal Practice: He practiced law with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, and later joined the Potomac Law Group.

Political Career

In 2016, Meyer entered politics, running a grassroots campaign that led to his election as New Castle County Executive, defeating a three-term incumbent. He was re-elected in 2020.

As County Executive, Meyer implemented several initiatives:

• Public Safety: Appointed the first African-American police chief and chief administrative officer in the county’s history.
• Economic Development: Launched the JobsNow program, facilitating development projects that created over 12,000 jobs.
• Environmental Efforts: Introduced GreeNCC, an agenda addressing climate change, preserving open spaces, and promoting clean water.

2024 Gubernatorial Campaign

Meyer’s gubernatorial campaign emphasized:

• Education: Advocating for increased funding for public schools, universal pre-kindergarten, and higher salaries for teachers.
• Healthcare: Proposing the expansion of affordable housing and Medicaid funding for abortions.
• Gun Control: Supporting further restrictions on gun ownership.

In the Democratic primary, Meyer defeated Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and former state Environmental Secretary Collin O’Mara. He then won the general election against Republican Mike Ramone, extending the Democratic Party’s control of Delaware’s executive branch.

Personal Life

Meyer resides in Wilmington with his wife, Lauren, and their son. He is Jewish and has been recognized for his public service, receiving the Sam Beard Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 Years and Under in 2003.

Accomplishments

Matt Meyer’s tenure as New Castle County Executive is marked by a variety of initiatives and accomplishments. Here are some of the key highlights from his time in office:

1. Economic Development

• JobsNow Program: Meyer launched the JobsNow initiative, which helped facilitate development projects and created over 12,000 jobs in New Castle County.
• Support for Small Businesses: He provided funding and support to small businesses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them stay afloat through grant programs and financial aid.

2. Public Safety

• Diversity in Leadership: As previously mentioned, Meyer appointed the first African-American police chief and the first African-American chief administrative officer in the county’s history.
• Police Reform Initiatives: He implemented new policies to increase police accountability and transparency, including body camera deployment and improved community outreach.

3. Environmental Efforts

• GreeNCC Agenda: He introduced the GreeNCC initiative, aimed at tackling climate change, increasing sustainability, and promoting green infrastructure projects.
• Open Space Preservation: Meyer made significant strides in preserving open spaces, securing land for parks and recreational areas to protect the county’s natural environment.

4. COVID-19 Response

• Community Testing and Vaccination: Meyer led efforts to provide widespread COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics throughout the county, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
• Financial Assistance Programs: He oversaw relief programs distributing millions of dollars in aid to renters, small businesses, and families impacted by the pandemic.

5. Affordable Housing

• Housing Support Initiatives: Meyer launched efforts to address the county’s affordable housing shortage, working with developers and nonprofits to increase access to affordable homes.
• Eviction Prevention Programs: He implemented programs to prevent evictions, particularly during the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic.

6. Community Engagement

• Youth Programming and Services: He expanded youth programming and services, including mentorship initiatives and educational support, aimed at reducing youth crime and improving educational outcomes.
• Increased Transparency: Meyer improved public access to county information by increasing the availability of county meetings online and creating new channels for public feedback.

7. Innovation and Technology

• Smart Cities Initiatives: He promoted the use of technology in local government, including efforts to digitize services and increase efficiency in county operations.
• Public Wi-Fi Expansion: Meyer spearheaded initiatives to expand public Wi-Fi access, particularly in underserved communities.

8. Fiscal Responsibility

• Balanced Budgets: Throughout his terms, Meyer consistently presented balanced budgets without raising property taxes, focusing on efficient spending and resource allocation.

Criticism

During his time as New Castle County Executive, Matt Meyer faced several criticisms, both from political opponents and from within the community. Here’s a rundown of the main points of criticism against him:

1. Handling of the COVID-19 Relief Funds

• Mismanagement Allegations: Meyer faced accusations of mismanaging federal COVID-19 relief funds, particularly in how the money was allocated to certain projects. Some critics argued that too much funding was directed toward pet projects rather than directly aiding small businesses and families in need.
• Transparency Issues: There were concerns about a lack of transparency in the decision-making process for allocating relief funds, with some local leaders calling for more oversight.

2. Tensions with County Council

• Strained Relationships: Meyer had a contentious relationship with the New Castle County Council. Several council members accused him of acting unilaterally and not adequately consulting with them on major policy decisions.
• Legal Disputes: The strained relationship even led to legal disputes, including lawsuits filed against the county executive’s office over issues of authority and decision-making power.

3. Public Safety Concerns

• Criticism Over Crime Rates: While Meyer made efforts to reform the police department, some critics argued that his changes did not go far enough in addressing rising crime rates in certain areas of the county.
• Police Morale: There were reports of low morale among police officers, partially due to the changes in leadership and the implementation of new accountability measures, which some felt undermined the department’s authority.

4. Environmental Policies

• Controversial Land Development: Despite his focus on environmental initiatives, Meyer faced backlash for approving certain land development projects that were seen as contradictory to his open space preservation goals. Some environmental groups accused him of being inconsistent in his approach to conservation.

5. Affordable Housing Initiatives

• Opposition to Housing Projects: Meyer’s push for more affordable housing drew criticism from some residents and local officials who felt that the projects were being forced on communities without adequate input or consideration of the local impact.
• Effectiveness of Programs: Critics argued that Meyer’s efforts did not adequately address the root causes of the housing crisis, with some labeling his initiatives as ineffective or more focused on optics than actual solutions.

6. Leadership Style

• Top-Down Management Approach: Meyer’s leadership style was often described as top-down and confrontational, which led to friction not only with the County Council but also with various department heads and community stakeholders.
• Accusations of Favoritism: There were claims that Meyer showed favoritism in hiring practices and appointments, particularly favoring individuals from his inner circle or those with close ties to his campaign.

7. Use of County Resources

• Criticism Over Personal Use of Funds: At one point, Meyer faced scrutiny for allegedly using county resources for personal and political purposes. Although he denied the claims, the accusations raised questions about his ethical standards in managing taxpayer money.

8. Handling of the Police Chief Appointment

• Controversy Over Chief Appointment: Meyer’s appointment of the first African-American police chief was seen as a progressive move, but the process was criticized for being politically motivated and not following the traditional vetting procedures. Some within the department felt the decision was made to gain political points rather than based on merit.

9. Communication Issues

• Lack of Public Engagement: While Meyer made efforts to increase transparency, he was also criticized for not engaging enough with the public on key issues, particularly when it came to contentious decisions like zoning changes or development projects.
• Dismissive of Feedback: Some community members felt that Meyer could be dismissive of feedback, particularly from those who disagreed with his policies or approach.

10. Political Ambition

• Accusations of Self-Promotion: Toward the end of his tenure, Meyer was accused of focusing more on building his profile for a gubernatorial run than on addressing the pressing needs of New Castle County. Opponents claimed that his decisions were increasingly driven by political considerations rather than the best interests of county residents.

Despite these criticisms, Meyer’s supporters have argued that his willingness to take bold steps and implement new initiatives was necessary for progress, even if it ruffled feathers along the way. His move to the governor’s race indicates that he maintained a strong base of support despite these controversies.

Policy Proposals

Matt Meyer’s gubernatorial campaign focused on a range of policy proposals aimed at addressing key issues facing Delaware. Here are the main points from his platform:

1. Education

• Increased Funding for Public Schools: Meyer advocated for significantly increasing the state’s investment in public education, with a focus on underserved communities.
• Universal Pre-K: He pushed for universal access to pre-kindergarten, arguing that early childhood education is critical for long-term academic success.
• Teacher Pay Raises: Meyer proposed raising salaries for teachers and support staff to attract and retain high-quality educators, especially in low-income districts.
• STEM and Vocational Training: He emphasized expanding STEM education and vocational training programs to better prepare students for the workforce.

2. Healthcare

• Medicaid Expansion: Meyer supported further expansion of Medicaid to cover more low-income individuals, with a focus on increasing access to preventive care.
• Mental Health Services: He proposed investing in mental health services, including increasing the number of counselors in schools and expanding community-based mental health programs.
• Reproductive Rights: Meyer was vocal about protecting access to abortion services, including proposals to increase Medicaid funding for abortions and safeguard reproductive healthcare facilities.
• Affordable Prescription Drugs: He aimed to lower prescription drug costs through price negotiations and increasing the availability of generic medications.

3. Economic Development

• Small Business Support: Meyer proposed a suite of measures to support small businesses, including tax incentives, low-interest loans, and grants aimed at helping businesses recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Workforce Development: He planned to expand job training and apprenticeship programs, particularly in technology and green energy sectors, to create pathways for workers into high-paying jobs.
• Minimum Wage Increase: Meyer backed a phased increase of the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour, arguing it would help lift workers out of poverty.

4. Environmental Policies

• Climate Action Plan: Meyer proposed a comprehensive climate action plan aimed at reducing Delaware’s carbon footprint, including commitments to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050.
• Coastal Resilience Initiatives: Recognizing the risks of climate change to Delaware’s coastline, Meyer proposed increased funding for coastal protection projects and flood mitigation efforts.
• Clean Water Investments: He promised to address water quality issues by increasing investments in clean water infrastructure, targeting contamination in both urban and rural areas.
• Green Jobs Program: Meyer aimed to create thousands of green jobs through investments in renewable energy projects and energy efficiency upgrades.

5. Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform

• Gun Control Measures: Meyer proposed tightening gun laws, including expanded background checks, bans on assault-style weapons, and limits on high-capacity magazines.
• Police Reform: He called for increased transparency and accountability in law enforcement, including body camera mandates and independent reviews of police misconduct cases.
• Rehabilitation Over Incarceration: Meyer supported shifting resources towards rehabilitation programs for non-violent offenders, particularly in cases involving drug-related offenses.

6. Affordable Housing

• Increased Housing Supply: Meyer advocated for policies to increase the supply of affordable housing, including incentives for developers and zoning reforms to allow for more multi-family housing units.
• Eviction Prevention Programs: He proposed expanding existing eviction prevention programs and increasing funding for rental assistance to help struggling families stay in their homes.
• Homeownership Initiatives: Meyer supported efforts to help first-time homebuyers, particularly in underserved communities, through down payment assistance and access to low-interest loans.

7. Transportation and Infrastructure

• Public Transit Expansion: Meyer pledged to expand public transportation options, including increased bus routes and the development of a light rail system to better connect urban and suburban areas.
• Infrastructure Modernization: He proposed a statewide plan to upgrade aging infrastructure, focusing on roads, bridges, and broadband access, especially in rural areas.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Incentives: Meyer supported initiatives to increase the adoption of electric vehicles, including tax incentives for buyers and investments in EV charging infrastructure.

8. Tax Policy

• Middle-Class Tax Relief: Meyer proposed tax cuts aimed at providing relief to middle-income families, arguing that it would help boost the state’s economy.
• Corporate Tax Reform: He called for reforms to close corporate tax loopholes and ensure that large companies pay their fair share, with the goal of using the additional revenue to fund social programs.

9. Social Justice and Equity

• Addressing Systemic Inequality: Meyer proposed measures to tackle systemic racism and inequality, including targeted investments in minority-owned businesses and initiatives to close the racial wealth gap.
• Criminal Record Expungement: He supported expanding the process for expunging criminal records, particularly for non-violent offenses, to help individuals reintegrate into society.

10. Technology and Innovation

• Digital Equity: Meyer pledged to increase access to high-speed internet across the state, particularly in underserved rural areas, as part of a broader effort to bridge the digital divide.
• Government Efficiency: He aimed to modernize state government operations through the use of technology, increasing efficiency and improving access to public services.

Matt Meyer’s policy platform reflected his experience as County Executive and his focus on education, healthcare, economic development, and environmental issues, positioning him as a progressive candidate with a strong emphasis on social equity and sustainable growth.

Criticism of Policy Proposals

Matt Meyer’s policy proposals during his gubernatorial campaign received a fair amount of criticism, both from political opponents and from various interest groups. Here’s a rundown of the main criticisms:

1. Education Proposals

• Cost Concerns: Critics argued that Meyer’s proposal for increased public school funding and teacher pay raises would be extremely expensive and could require significant tax increases or cuts to other essential services.
• Effectiveness of Universal Pre-K: Some skeptics questioned whether implementing universal pre-kindergarten would actually improve educational outcomes, citing mixed evidence from other states. They argued it might place a strain on existing school infrastructure without clear benefits.
• Focus on Standardized Testing: There was concern that Meyer’s emphasis on expanding STEM education might lead to an over-reliance on standardized testing, potentially sidelining arts and humanities education.

2. Healthcare Proposals

• Medicaid Expansion Costs: Meyer’s plan to further expand Medicaid was criticized as financially unsustainable. Opponents argued that expanding the program without addressing systemic inefficiencies could strain the state budget and result in higher taxes.
• Abortion Funding Controversy: His proposal to increase Medicaid funding for abortion services was highly contentious, drawing criticism from pro-life groups who argued that taxpayer money should not be used to fund abortions. Some moderates felt it could alienate voters who are uncomfortable with expanding abortion access.
• Focus on Mental Health: While many acknowledged the need for improved mental health services, critics questioned the feasibility of scaling up these programs quickly, given the current shortage of mental health professionals in the state.

3. Economic Development Proposals

• Minimum Wage Increase: Meyer’s proposal to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour was met with resistance from business groups. They argued that it would hurt small businesses, potentially leading to layoffs, reduced hiring, and higher prices for consumers.
• Corporate Tax Reform Criticism: Meyer’s call for closing corporate tax loopholes was criticized by some in the business community, who argued it would make Delaware less attractive to large corporations and potentially lead to job losses.

4. Environmental Policies

• Renewable Energy Transition: Meyer’s pledge to transition Delaware to 100% renewable energy by 2050 was seen as overly ambitious and potentially unrealistic by some critics. They argued that the costs associated with this transition could be passed on to consumers in the form of higher energy bills.
• Impact on Local Industries: His environmental policies, particularly those focused on reducing carbon emissions, were criticized by representatives from Delaware’s chemical and manufacturing industries. They claimed these regulations would hurt economic growth and lead to job losses in key sectors.
• Inconsistencies in Land Use: Meyer’s push for environmental conservation was seen as hypocritical by some, given his track record as County Executive, where he had approved several controversial development projects that contradicted his conservation rhetoric.

5. Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform

• Gun Control Measures: Meyer’s proposed gun control policies, including bans on assault-style weapons and expanded background checks, faced backlash from Second Amendment advocates. They argued that his proposals would infringe on the rights of law-abiding gun owners without effectively addressing the root causes of gun violence.
• Police Reform Pushback: Law enforcement groups criticized his focus on increasing police accountability measures, claiming it could undermine police morale and hinder effective law enforcement. They also expressed concern that independent reviews of misconduct cases could be politically motivated.

6. Affordable Housing Proposals

• Zoning Reforms Opposition: Meyer’s call for zoning reforms to increase the supply of affordable housing drew criticism from suburban communities, where residents feared it would lead to overdevelopment and strain local infrastructure and school systems.
• Questionable Impact of Rental Assistance: Some economists argued that expanding rental assistance programs without addressing broader market issues (like housing supply shortages) could lead to higher rents in the long term, making the problem worse.

7. Transportation and Infrastructure Proposals

• Public Transit Expansion Costs: Meyer’s plan to expand public transportation, including developing a light rail system, was seen as costly and impractical by some. Critics pointed out that Delaware’s relatively small and dispersed population might not support the usage rates necessary to justify such a large investment.
• Electric Vehicle Push Criticism: His proposal to incentivize electric vehicle (EV) adoption faced skepticism from rural residents, who noted the lack of existing charging infrastructure and questioned whether these policies would primarily benefit wealthier residents who could afford EVs.

8. Tax Policy Criticisms

• Middle-Class Tax Relief Skepticism: Some analysts were skeptical of Meyer’s promise to deliver middle-class tax relief while simultaneously proposing significant new spending on education, healthcare, and infrastructure. They argued that the numbers didn’t add up and that he might be forced to raise taxes elsewhere.
• Business Climate Concerns: Business leaders warned that Meyer’s proposed corporate tax reforms could make Delaware less attractive to new businesses, potentially harming the state’s reputation as a corporate-friendly environment.

9. Social Justice and Equity Proposals

• Identity Politics Critique: Meyer’s proposals aimed at addressing systemic inequality and expanding opportunities for minority-owned businesses were criticized by some as an overemphasis on identity politics, potentially alienating voters who prefer a more colorblind approach to policy.
• Expungement Program Concerns: His support for expanded criminal record expungement drew criticism from those who felt it could lead to unintended consequences, such as reducing transparency in background checks and potentially putting public safety at risk.

10. General Criticisms

• Over-Promising: A common theme among critics was that Meyer’s policy platform was filled with ambitious promises that would be difficult to fulfill given the state’s fiscal constraints.
• Focus on Political Ambition: Some opponents argued that many of his proposals were designed more for political appeal than practical implementation, suggesting they were aimed at boosting his profile for future higher office rather than addressing the actual needs of Delaware.

Overall, while Meyer’s policy proposals attracted significant support from progressive voters and advocacy groups, the criticisms reflected broader concerns about feasibility, financial impact, and potential unintended consequences, particularly from more conservative and business-minded voters.

Final Assessment

Matt Meyer, brings a diverse and ambitious background that includes education, business, law, and diplomacy. His career path shows a commendable commitment to public service, and he has a history of bold, reform-minded leadership. However, as with many progressive politicians, his policies and approach raise significant concerns, particularly around issues of fiscal responsibility, moral values, and the proper role of government.

1. Impressive Resume, But a Progressive Agenda

Meyer’s varied career and experience as a teacher, entrepreneur, diplomat, and lawyer are admirable. It’s rare to see a politician with such a broad skill set. However, his agenda as New Castle County Executive and his gubernatorial campaign clearly lean heavily toward progressive policies. For those who value limited government, fiscal prudence, and traditional moral principles, many of his proposals are problematic.

2. Concerns Over Education Policy

Meyer’s focus on increased funding for public schools and universal pre-K sounds appealing, but it’s important to ask: At what cost? As a conservative, I value educational choice, parental rights, and the decentralization of power from the state. Meyer’s push for universal pre-K and higher teacher salaries might sound good in theory, but these initiatives often come with increased taxes and a bigger government footprint. More state control over early childhood education also risks sidelining parents’ roles in shaping their children’s values and beliefs.

Additionally, Meyer’s emphasis on STEM education is positive, but his focus could lead to an overemphasis on standardized testing and neglect the importance of teaching critical thinking, history, and the arts—areas that are vital for a well-rounded, values-based education.

3. A Troubling Stance on Healthcare and Abortion

Meyer’s healthcare proposals, including Medicaid expansion, are concerning from a fiscal and moral standpoint. Expanding Medicaid without addressing inefficiencies risks ballooning the state budget, leading to higher taxes for middle-class families. Even more troubling is Meyer’s strong support for Medicaid funding for abortions, which would force taxpayers, including pro-life Christians, to fund a procedure that they morally oppose. This stance is deeply at odds with the values of many Delaware residents who believe in the sanctity of life from conception.

4. Economic Policies That May Hurt Small Businesses

Meyer’s push for a $15 minimum wage, while well-intentioned, could backfire by hurting the very workers it aims to help. Many small businesses operate on thin margins, and a significant increase in labor costs may lead to layoffs, reduced hiring, and higher prices. Conservatives believe in letting the free market determine wages, rather than imposing mandates that disrupt economic dynamics and potentially harm job creators.

His proposals for corporate tax reforms, aimed at closing loopholes, may sound good on paper, but they risk damaging Delaware’s reputation as a business-friendly state. This could lead to job losses and reduced investment, which would hurt the state’s economy in the long run.

5. Environmental Policies: Ambitious but Unrealistic

While Meyer’s concern for the environment is commendable, his pledge to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050 seems impractical and could impose heavy costs on consumers. The reality is that renewable energy infrastructure is not yet fully reliable or affordable enough to replace fossil fuels entirely. Such an aggressive push risks higher energy costs for families and businesses, which could be particularly damaging to lower-income residents.

Conservatives also value stewardship of the environment, but this should be balanced with economic realities and an understanding of the limitations of current technology.

6. Public Safety and Gun Control: Overreach on Second Amendment Rights

Meyer’s proposals for tighter gun control, including bans on assault-style weapons and expanded background checks, represent a significant overreach and a threat to Second Amendment rights. Conservatives believe that the right to bear arms is fundamental and serves as a safeguard against tyranny. Meyer’s approach, while framed as a measure to reduce gun violence, risks punishing law-abiding gun owners without addressing the root causes of crime, such as broken families, mental health issues, and gang violence.

7. Affordable Housing Proposals: Risk of Overreach and Unintended Consequences

While Meyer’s focus on affordable housing is understandable, his push for zoning reforms and increased rental assistance could lead to overdevelopment and strain local infrastructure, especially in suburban communities. Conservatives favor market-driven solutions and the promotion of homeownership over long-term reliance on rental assistance programs, which can create dependency rather than empowerment.

8. Tax Policy: Unlikely to Deliver on Promises

Meyer’s promise of middle-class tax relief while simultaneously proposing increased spending on education, healthcare, and infrastructure raises red flags. It’s unlikely that the numbers will add up without significant tax increases elsewhere. As conservatives, we believe in a limited government that lives within its means, and Meyer’s expansive agenda seems at odds with this principle.

9. Social Justice Agenda: Divisive and Counterproductive

Meyer’s focus on addressing systemic inequality through targeted investments and criminal record expungement may seem like positive steps, but they risk exacerbating identity politics and further dividing the community. A truly just society should strive for equal opportunity rather than equal outcomes and avoid policies that could lead to reverse discrimination or reduce transparency in criminal background checks.

10. Political Ambition Over Practical Governance?

Meyer’s critics have accused him of focusing more on political self-promotion than on the actual needs of New Castle County. This is a legitimate concern. Leadership should be about serving the people, not about using a public office as a stepping stone to higher political ambitions. His track record of clashing with the County Council and accusations of favoritism suggest a leadership style that may prioritize political gains over genuine consensus-building.

Final Verdict: A Talented Leader with a Progressive Agenda

Matt Meyer is undoubtedly a capable leader with a diverse background and a strong track record of public service. However, his policy platform reflects a big-government, progressive approach that clashes with the principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual freedom that conservatives hold dear. His ambitious proposals may appeal to progressive voters, but they come with significant risks: higher taxes, increased regulation, and policies that could undermine traditional values and individual liberties.

For Delawareans who value personal responsibility, free markets, and the sanctity of life, Meyer’s agenda represents a step in the wrong direction. As he takes office, it will be crucial to hold him accountable and ensure that his policies do not lead to overreach, fiscal irresponsibility, or the erosion of individual freedoms.