An experienced Democratic party operative is preparing to mount a challenge for Delaware’s lone statewide office controlled by the GOP.
Brenda Mayrack, an unclaimed property attorney in Wilmington, announced her candidacy for State Auditor Saturday as part of celebrating her 36th birthday.
Republican Thomas Wagner has held the office since 1988.
Mayrack says Wagner isn’t as transparent as he could be and says she would make biennial audits on state agencies available online.
She adds she doesn’t think it would necessarily be bad to have Democrats control every statewide elected position if the candidate elected performs the job well.
“Even Democrats have expressed to me that they would like to see more accountability and transparency coming out of that office. And I think from our party’s point of view, if Republicans are not offering a meaningful check in this state, then Democrats have to take responsibility for ourselves,” said Mayrack in an interview with WDDE.
Among the issues Mayrack intends to focus on is addressing recent mishandling of state-issued credit cards, which she calls a top priority for her.
“These are tax dollars that certain employees are being given a – privilege to spend via credit card – and if that privilege cannot be honored and the public trust can’t be protected then changes need to be made right away, the first time there’s an incident,” said Mayrack.
Mayrack previously worked on Representative John Carney’s campaign for Lieutenant Governor in 2000 before being named executive director for the state Democratic Party in 2002.
Mayrack has not said when she will officially file as a candidate.