Republican Julianne Murray running for governor

Delaware GOP Chair Julianne Murray has announced a run for governor. 

“In Delaware, we are just under 200 days from the most consequential election of our lifetimes, with a tremendous opportunity to take over the governor seat,” she said in a statement. “We Delawareans, whether registered Democrat, Republican or unaffiliated, are aware that our dollars are not going as far as they used to, that our children are not being adequately educated, that we are impacted by out-of-control crime and that our government is increasingly dictating the way we live our lives.”

She said Delaware needs a bold gubernatorial candidate who can make the pitch to Delawareans of all walks of life that a change in philosophy of governing is needed based on sound principles and policies.

“This candidate needs to be fearless about calling out the failed policies that have hurt Delawareans and have put our future and our children’s future in jeopardy,” she said. “This candidate must have run statewide before and must have demonstrated the ability to close the gap on achieving 50.1% in order to win in November.”

Murray said the GOP party has searched for a viable candidate since last summer. She said many suggested she run due to her name recognition, strong following, ability to raise money and her experience running in statewide races. 

“While we spoke to many, no one met the criteria we were hoping to find [in a candidate],” she said. 

She plans to officially file Wednesday, May 8. 

“I believe I am the most qualified and viable candidate that has the experience of closing the gap based on my last two statewide elections,” she said. “I have worked tirelessly for the last four years trying to make Delaware better and will, once again, put everything on the line for what could be our last chance to save Delaware.”

She plans to remain the GOP chair during her campaign. She will continue to focus on House and Senate races. 

Murray ran for Delaware attorney general in 2022, losing to Kathleen Jennings 53.8% to 46.2%. She also ran against Gov. John Carney in the 2020 gubernatorial election, losing 59.5% to 38.6%. She defeated Colin Bonini in the primary that year. 

There will likely be a GOP primary in the gubernatorial race, as Lewes resident Jerry Price filed to run in December.