Matt Meyer

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Matt Meyer
BornMatthew Stephen Meyer
29 9, 1971
BirthplaceBay City, Michigan, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician, attorney
Title76th Governor of Delaware
Known for76th Governor of Delaware
EducationBrown University (BA)
University of Michigan Law School (JD)
Children1
Website[https://governor.delaware.gov/ Official site]

Matthew Stephen Meyer (born September 29, 1971) is an American politician and attorney serving as the 76th Governor of Delaware since January 21, 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Meyer previously served as the 11th New Castle County Executive from 2017 to 2025, where he oversaw the county's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, implemented reforms in public safety, and managed federal relief funding. Before entering public office, Meyer worked as an attorney in private practice at the Potomac Law Group and served in advisory roles within government, including as an economic advisor to former Delaware Governor Jack Markell and as an advisor within the United States Department of State. Born in Bay City, Michigan, Meyer is a graduate of Brown University and the University of Michigan Law School. His path to the governorship was shaped by nearly a decade of county-level executive experience in Delaware's most populous county, and he assumed office with a platform centered on affordability, housing, and fiscal responsibility.[1]

Early Life

Matthew Stephen Meyer was born on September 29, 1971, in Bay City, Michigan.[2] Details about his upbringing and family in Michigan are limited in publicly available sources. Meyer would eventually relocate to Delaware, where he built his legal and political career.

Education

Meyer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He subsequently obtained a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School.[2] These academic credentials formed the foundation for his dual career in law and public service.

Career

Legal Career and Early Government Service

Before entering elected office, Meyer practiced law as an attorney with the Potomac Law Group, a Washington, D.C.-area firm.[2] His legal work was supplemented by roles in government advisory capacities. Meyer served as an economic advisor to Jack Markell, the Democratic governor of Delaware from 2009 to 2017. He also held an advisory position within the United States Department of State.[3]

Meyer was a recipient of a Jefferson Award for public service, which recognizes individuals for their contributions to community and public life.[4]

New Castle County Executive (2017–2025)

Meyer was elected as the New Castle County Executive in November 2016, succeeding Thomas P. Gordon.[5] He took office on January 3, 2017, and served two terms as head of Delaware's most populous county, which encompasses the city of Wilmington and its surrounding suburbs.

Public Safety Reforms

One of Meyer's early actions as county executive was the appointment of Vaughn Bond as the first Black chief of police for New Castle County in March 2017. The appointment represented a milestone for the county's police department and was part of Meyer's broader approach to reforming public safety in the county.[6]

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Meyer's administration undertook several initiatives to address the public health and economic consequences of the crisis. In July 2020, Meyer authored an opinion piece advocating for the testing of every K–12 student as a prerequisite for the safe reopening of Delaware's schools, reflecting the county's approach to balancing public health with the need to resume in-person education.[7]

Meyer's administration managed the distribution of federal CARES Act funding allocated to New Castle County. The county received national recognition from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its innovative use of Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars, which were directed toward public health measures, economic relief, and community support services.[8][9]

Homelessness Initiatives

A notable component of Meyer's tenure as county executive was his administration's response to homelessness. New Castle County purchased the former Sheraton hotel in southern New Castle County at auction and converted it into a homeless shelter.[10] The shelter opened in time for the onset of winter storms, providing immediate housing for individuals experiencing homelessness in the county.[11]

A documentary or media project related to this initiative, titled Hope Wins, received an Emmy Award, drawing broader attention to the county's approach to addressing homelessness.[12]

Political Controversies

Meyer's tenure as county executive was not without political contention. In July 2020, the Delaware Online newspaper reported that Meyer had been "belligerent" toward individuals supporting a political opponent, an incident that drew public scrutiny during a period of heightened political competition in the county.[13]

Meyer concluded his service as New Castle County Executive on January 7, 2025, and was succeeded by Marcus Henry.[14]

Governor of Delaware (2025–present)

Election

Meyer ran for the office of Governor of Delaware in the 2024 election cycle. He secured the Democratic nomination and won the general election, succeeding Bethany Hall-Long as the acting governor at the conclusion of the previous administration. Meyer was inaugurated as the 76th Governor of Delaware on January 21, 2025, with Kyle Evans Gay serving as his Lieutenant Governor.[15]

Budget and Fiscal Policy

In January 2026, approximately one year into his term, Meyer presented his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2027. The budget proposal was centered on themes the governor described as "Delaware-First, Affordability, and Responsible Growth." The fiscal plan outlined the administration's priorities for managing state resources while addressing the cost of living and promoting economic development within the state.[16]

Housing

In February 2026, Meyer participated in the groundbreaking for Savannah Grove, a new housing development in Georgetown, Delaware. The project, developed in partnership with the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and the Apennine development company, is planned to include 106 apartments, with 16 units offered at below-market rates. The governor highlighted the development as part of his administration's commitment to expanding affordable housing in the state.[17]

Federal Relations and Legal Actions

In February 2026, Meyer joined with Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings in issuing a joint statement following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the two officials characterized as "a decisive victory for the rule of law, for common sense, and for affordability." The case involved a challenge to tariffs imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump, and the ruling was seen as a significant legal development in the ongoing disputes between state governments and the federal government over trade policy.[18]

Emergency Management

In February 2026, Meyer declared a state of emergency in anticipation of a severe winter storm expected to produce significant amounts of snow and sleet throughout Delaware. The declaration activated state emergency protocols and resources to ensure public safety during the storm.[19][20]

Ceremonial and Bipartisan Activities

In February 2026, Meyer presented Delaware's highest civilian honor—the Order of the First State—to five Delawareans recognized for their leadership and contributions to the state.[21]

That same month, Meyer ordered flags at state buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff to honor the lives of George Bunting, John Viola, and Reverend Jesse Jackson.[22]

Meyer also appeared alongside North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong (a Republican) on C-SPAN in February 2026, in a segment that featured both governors alongside political strategists from each major party.[23]

Personal Life

Meyer has one child.[2] He resides in Delaware. Additional details about his personal life beyond what is publicly documented are limited.

Recognition

Meyer received a Jefferson Award for public service prior to his election as county executive, recognizing his contributions to community service and public life.[24]

During his tenure as New Castle County Executive, the county's use of CARES Act funds received national recognition from the National Association of Counties.[25] Additionally, the Hope Wins media project documenting the county's homelessness initiative won an Emmy Award.[26]

As governor, Meyer has continued to receive public attention through his bipartisan appearances and policy initiatives, including his joint C-SPAN appearance with Republican Governor Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota.[27]

References

  1. ↑ "Governor Matt Meyer Unveils FY 27 Recommended Budget Focused on Delaware-First, Affordability, and Responsible Growth".State of Delaware News.2026-01-29.https://news.delaware.gov/2026/01/29/governor-matt-meyer-unveils-fy27-recommended-budget-focused-on-delaware-first-affordability-and-responsible-growth/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Matthew Meyer – Attorney Profile".Potomac Law Group.https://web.archive.org/web/20160917092752/http://www.potomaclaw.com/attorney-profiles/matthew-meyer/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ "C-Suite: Matt Meyer".Delaware Business Times.https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/news/c-suite-matt-meyer/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "Past Winners".Jefferson Awards Foundation.https://web.archive.org/web/20170623124533/http://www.jeffersonawards.org/past-winners/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "Delaware Election Results".Delaware Department of Elections.http://elections.delaware.gov/results/html/election.shtml.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "Vaughn Bond Named as First Black Chief of Police for New Castle County".First State Update.2017-03.http://firststateupdate.com/2017/03/vaughn-bond-named-as-first-black-chief-of-police-for-new-castle-county/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Test every K-12 student: Delaware's schools must reopen".Delaware Online.2020-07-11.https://web.archive.org/web/20200813210219/https://www.delawareonline.com/story/opinion/2020/07/11/test-every-k-12-student-delawares-schools-must-reopen/5416983002/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "NCC Wins National Recognition for CARES Act Funding".Delaware Business Times.https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/news-briefs/ncc-national-recognition-cares-act-funding/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Coronavirus Relief Fund: Review of Federal Fiscal Assistance and Innovative County Response".National Association of Counties.https://www.naco.org/resources/coronavirus-relief-fund-review-federal-fiscal-assistance-and-innovative-county-response.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "NCC Wins Sheraton South Auction".Delaware Business Times.https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/news/ncc-wins-sheraton-south-auction/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "New Castle County hotel turned homeless shelter opens just in time for winter storm".WDEL.https://www.wdel.com/news/new-castle-county-hotel-turned-homeless-shelter-opens-just-in-time-for-winter-storm/article_e8da8e3a-3fb0-11eb-8c4f-471a1334ba32.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Hope Wins an Emmy".WDEL.https://www.wdel.com/news/hope-wins-an-emmy/article_e796b24a-44bf-11ed-a4d4-5b470d41cb1b.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Matt Meyer 'belligerent' to those supporting his opponent".Delaware Online.2020-07-24.https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2020/07/24/matt-meyer-belligerent-those-supporting-his-opponent/5471541002/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "Carney's Successor".Delaware Business Times.https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/news/carneys-successor/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Governor Matt Meyer Unveils FY 27 Recommended Budget Focused on Delaware-First, Affordability, and Responsible Growth".State of Delaware News.2026-01-29.https://news.delaware.gov/2026/01/29/governor-matt-meyer-unveils-fy27-recommended-budget-focused-on-delaware-first-affordability-and-responsible-growth/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Governor Matt Meyer Unveils FY 27 Recommended Budget Focused on Delaware-First, Affordability, and Responsible Growth".State of Delaware News.2026-01-29.https://news.delaware.gov/2026/01/29/governor-matt-meyer-unveils-fy27-recommended-budget-focused-on-delaware-first-affordability-and-responsible-growth/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Governor Meyer, DSHA, Apennine celebrate start of new housing in Georgetown".State of Delaware News.2026-02-19.https://news.delaware.gov/2026/02/20/governor-meyer-dsha-apennine-celebrate-start-of-new-housing-in-georgetown/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Statement from AG Jennings and Gov. Meyer on victory over Trump tariffs at SCOTUS".State of Delaware News.2026-02-20.https://news.delaware.gov/2026/02/20/statement-from-ag-jennings-and-gov-meyer-on-victory-over-trump-tariffs-at-scotus/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO A SEVERE WINTER STORM".Office of the Governor of Delaware.2026-02-23.https://governor.delaware.gov/state-of-emergency/declaration-of-a-state-of-emergency-due-to-a-severe-winter-storm/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "State of Emergency declared in Delaware ahead of a potentially historic winter storm".WBOC TV.2026-02-23.https://www.wboc.com/news/state-of-emergency-declared-in-delaware-ahead-of-a-potentially-historic-winter-storm/article_36543274-d58d-452d-91da-7e7112a6b07c.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Governor Matt Meyer Presents Order of the First State to Five Delawareans".State of Delaware News.2026-02-16.https://news.delaware.gov/2026/02/16/governor-matt-meyer-presents-order-of-the-first-state-to-five-delawareans/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Governor Meyer Orders the Lowering of Flags to Honor the Lives of George Bunting and John Viola; Rev. Jesse Jackson".State of Delaware News.2026-02-17.https://news.delaware.gov/2026/02/17/governor-meyer-orders-the-lowering-of-flags-to-honor-the-lives-of-george-bunting-and-john-viola-rev-jesse-jackson-2/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Gov. Kelly Armstrong & Gov. Matt Meyer".C-SPAN.2026-02-18.https://www.c-span.org/program/ceasefire/ceasefire-with-govs-kelly-armstrong-and-matt-meyer/673612.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Past Winners".Jefferson Awards Foundation.https://web.archive.org/web/20170623124533/http://www.jeffersonawards.org/past-winners/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "NCC Wins National Recognition for CARES Act Funding".Delaware Business Times.https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/news-briefs/ncc-national-recognition-cares-act-funding/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "Hope Wins an Emmy".WDEL.https://www.wdel.com/news/hope-wins-an-emmy/article_e796b24a-44bf-11ed-a4d4-5b470d41cb1b.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ "Gov. Kelly Armstrong & Gov. Matt Meyer".C-SPAN.2026-02-18.https://www.c-span.org/program/ceasefire/ceasefire-with-govs-kelly-armstrong-and-matt-meyer/673612.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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