Bethany Hall-Long's journey exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to public service. Growing up on a family farm in Sussex County, Delaware, she was instilled with values of hard work, integrity, and community from an early age. These principles, combined with her father's role as a pastor, have driven her career in public service.
As the first person in her family to attend college, Hall-Long pursued a career in healthcare, earning her RN, MSN, and PhD. Her achievements underscore her dedication to education and her determination to impact the healthcare sector positively. Her background as a military wife and daughter of an army veteran further fuels her advocacy for veterans and their families.
Hall-Long's career spans roles as a nurse, educator, and public servant, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by Delaware's residents. She has served as a State Representative and Senator, demonstrating effective leadership and legislative accomplishments. Her potential election as Delaware's second woman Governor and the first nurse Governor in the nation would mark a historic milestone.
During her public service tenure, Hall-Long chaired the state retiree healthcare benefits committee, safeguarding healthcare benefits for thousands of retirees. She also led the state's Pandemic Resurgence Committee, administering over 4,000 vaccines and organizing vaccine drives statewide. These efforts were crucial in helping businesses survive and thrive during challenging times.
The Carney-Hall-Long administration has created over 32,000 jobs, marking the strongest job creation period since the 1990s. Significant investments in public education, including statewide increases in educator pay, highlight their commitment to improving the state's educational system. As Lt. Governor, Hall-Long chaired the board of pardons, reducing the backlog for pardons and commutations from 2-3 years to just 2-3 months, showcasing her dedication to efficient and fair governance.
Hall-Long's vision for Delaware includes a robust economy supporting both big and small businesses, equitable public education, and affordable healthcare access. She is a staunch advocate for reproductive healthcare freedom and environmental protection, with plans to invest in a green energy future and enact universal childcare. Her initiative to expedite affordable housing construction addresses a critical state need.
Endorsed by numerous leaders and organizations, including Governor John Carney, the Delaware AFL-CIO, and the Delaware State Education Association, Hall-Long's leadership is widely recognized. These endorsements underscore the confidence in her ability to lead Delaware effectively.
In contrast to her opponent, Matt Meyer, who has faced multiple lawsuits and allegations of unethical behavior, Hall-Long's record is characterized by her support for reproductive rights, healthcare workforce growth, and consistent voting on democratic issues. She has co-sponsored over 1,000 bills in the state legislature, emphasizing her legislative experience and dedication to Delawareans.
Hall-Long's commitment to the Delaware Corporate Franchise, a significant state revenue source, contrasts with her opponent's alignment with interests threatening the Chancery Court. Her focus on maintaining Delaware's economic stability and growth is evident.
In conclusion, Bethany Hall-Long's extensive experience, dedication to public service, and innovative vision for Delaware make her the ideal candidate for Governor. Her focus on education, healthcare, and economic growth promises a prosperous future for all Delawareans. Hall-Long aims to lead with integrity, compassion, and a deep understanding of her community's needs.
