John Carney officially becomes Delaware’s chief executive Tuesday.
Carney will be sworn as the First State’s 74th governor Tuesday morning on the east steps of Legislative Hall. The inauguration ceremony begins 11 a.m..
When he takes office, replacing Jack Markell, the first major challenge Carney faces will be the 350 million dollar hole in the state’s budget. Carney has called for a “budget reset” that examines both revenues and spending.
Bethany Hall-Long also takes the oath of office for Lt Gov. today, filling a post that’s been vacant since January 2015 when Matt Denn left to become Attorney General.
Hall-Long’s move opens her State Senate seat and triggers a crucial special election that will decide control of the legislature’s upper chamber. Democrats and Republicans each hold 10 seats until voters select Hall-Long’s successor.
A date for that special election has not been set. Democrat Stephanie Hansen, Republican John Marino and Libertarian Joseph Lanzendorfer have filed to run for the seat.
