Matt Meyer

Matthew Stephen Meyer is an American politician and attorney currently serving as the 76th governor of Delaware, having assumed office in 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously held the position of New Castle County executive from 2017 to 2025. Throughout his career, Meyer has been involved in various capacities within government and legal sectors, including roles as an economic advisor and a diplomat. His educational background includes degrees in political science and computer science from Brown University, as well as a law degree from the University of Michigan.

Early life and career

Meyer was born on September 29, 1971, in Bay City, Michigan, but he spent much of his formative years in Wilmington, Delaware. He attended Wilmington Friends School, where he began to engage with political activities early on, notably participating in then-U.S. Senator Joe Biden's first presidential campaign in 1988 while still in high school. Following his high school education, Meyer enrolled at Brown University, where he graduated cum laude with a dual degree in political science and computer science. His involvement in politics continued during his college years, as he contributed to the successful gubernatorial campaign of Bruce Sundlun in 1990.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Meyer joined Teach for America, where he taught in public schools in Washington, D.C., for three years. He also taught at Prestige Academy in Wilmington, further solidifying his commitment to education and community service. Following his teaching career, Meyer pursued a legal education at the University of Michigan Law School, where he became a member of the Michigan Law Review. Upon graduation, he was awarded a Skadden Fellowship, which he used to work for Community Legal Aid in Wilmington, focusing on providing legal assistance to underserved populations.

Meyer’s legal career took him to Simpson Thacher and Bartlett, where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions. His professional journey also included a significant role as a diplomat for the U.S. State Department in Iraq, where he served as a senior economic advisor in Mosul. In this capacity, he collaborated with military and economic aid leaders to support the Iraqi populace during a critical period. After returning to Delaware, Meyer worked as an economic advisor to former Governor Jack Markell and later became a partner at Potomac Law Group. His contributions to public service were recognized in 2003 when he received the Sam Beard Jefferson Award for the Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 Years and Under at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Governorship

Meyer’s political career advanced significantly when he ran for the position of New Castle County executive in 2016. His campaign emphasized integrity and economic policy, leading to a notable victory over the three-term incumbent, Tom Gordon, in the Democratic primary. Meyer secured 52% of the vote in that election and went on to win the general election against Republican Mark Blake with a substantial majority. He officially took office on January 3, 2017.

During his tenure as county executive, Meyer faced challenges, including a primary contest in 2020 against a more centrist candidate, Maggie Jones. Despite facing allegations related to his conduct during the campaign, he won the Democratic nomination and was re-elected unopposed in the general election. His administration made significant strides, including the appointment of the first African-American police chief and chief administrative officer in the history of the New Castle County Police Department.

Meyer’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by innovative strategies in the deployment of federal CARES Act funds, which garnered recognition from the National Association of Counties and the National Academy of Public Administration. His administration focused on inclusive economic recovery and support for vulnerable populations. In a notable initiative, New Castle County purchased a former hotel to convert it into a shelter for the homeless, demonstrating a commitment to addressing urgent social needs during the pandemic.

In 2024, Meyer announced his candidacy for governor of Delaware, as he was term-limited from serving another consecutive term as county executive. His campaign for the Democratic nomination was characterized by a progressive platform, addressing issues such as universal pre-K, free school meals, medical debt cancellation, police accountability, and reproductive rights. Meyer won the primary election, securing his position as the party's nominee for the general election.

In the general election, Meyer faced Republican challenger Mike Ramone. His campaign focused on progressive reforms and garnered support from various constituencies. Meyer’s victory in the election continued Delaware’s trend of Democratic leadership, marking a significant achievement in his political career.

Policy focus and legacy

As governor, Meyer has indicated a commitment to advancing a progressive agenda that addresses key issues affecting Delaware residents. His focus on education includes initiatives aimed at expanding access to pre-kindergarten and ensuring that all students receive free meals at school. Additionally, he has expressed intentions to tackle the issue of medical debt, which has become a growing concern for many families.

Meyer’s administration is also expected to prioritize police accountability, reflecting a broader national conversation about law enforcement practices and community relations. His advocacy for a state constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to abortion highlights his commitment to reproductive rights and gender equality.

Throughout his career, Meyer has demonstrated a dedication to public service and community engagement. His background in law, education, and economic development informs his approach to governance, as he seeks to implement policies that promote equity and inclusion. As he continues his term as governor, Meyer’s legacy will likely be shaped by his ability to navigate the complexities of state governance while addressing the pressing needs of Delaware’s diverse population.