York trounces McGuiness in auditor race
The decision to remove State Auditor Kathleen McGuiness from office came down to the voters Sept. 13, and by more than 70%, they voted her out.
Challenger Lydia York won the Democratic primary 35,881-14,640 to earn the opportunity to take on Republican challenger Janice Lorrah in the Tuesday, Nov. 8 election.
York said she never expected to win by such a large margin, and she thanked the voters and Democratic Party for helping her campaign throughout the state.
“I want to recognize the support of members of the Democratic legislative caucus, both House and Senate. Word of mouth and robust social media was also a very important part of this achievement,” York said. “Making connections with community leaders was also a big help for bringing attention to this race and its importance. The overwhelming positive responses received when we met people at their doors was heartening and gave us hope for a win.”
McGuiness did not respond to a request for comment.
McGuiness’ defeat comes after months of calls by Democratic leadership for her to resign following her indictment on criminal charges in 2021, and again after a criminal trial in which a jury found her guilty of three misdemeanors. Superior Court Judge William Carpenter later acquitted her on structuring payments, but upheld the convictions for official misconduct and conflict of interest.
A sentencing date for McGuiness has been set for Oct. 19. Her attorney, Steve Wood, said he plans to appeal the case to the Supreme Court.
McGuiness, elected to office in 2018, campaigned throughout the summer, but failed to win more than a dozen election districts out of the state’s 513 total. The districts she won were by slim margins. York captured more votes in all three counties.
Following the primary results, Delaware Democratic Party Chair Betsy Maron congratulated York on her win.
“I was incredibly proud to see Delaware Democrats hold the incumbent auditor accountable by electing Lydia York as our nominee. While other efforts to hold the incumbent accountable have been stalled, Delaware Democrats recognized her behavior for what it was, criminal and unacceptable, and rejected her defiant bid for re-election,” Maron said in a statement. “Earlier this year, the Delaware Democratic Party endorsed a primary challenger to a sitting incumbent, citing a need to restore integrity, accountability and true leadership to the position, and I am glad that voters agreed. I have worked alongside Lydia many times in the past and have never once questioned her character or willingness to do the right thing even when no one is looking. When Lydia is elected in November, the auditor’s office will be in good hands.”
In the 6th Senate District Democratic primary, newcomer Russ Huxtable also captured about 70% of the vote over Jack Bucchioni. Huxtable will face Republican Steve Smyk, who is giving up his 20th District representative seat to run for the seat held by retiring Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes.
In Sussex County’s newest representative precinct – District 4 – Jeff Hilovsky beat Bradley Layfield with 61% of the vote. Incumbent Rep. Bryan Shupe, R-Milford, of Representative District 36, won his primary with 68% of the vote over Patrick Smith.
