Matt Meyer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matt Meyer
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Meyer in 2025
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| 76th Governor of Delaware | |
| Assumed office January 21, 2025 |
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| Lieutenant | Kyle Evans Gay |
| Preceded by | Bethany Hall-Long |
| 11th Executive of New Castle County | |
| In office January 3, 2017 – January 7, 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas P. Gordon |
| Succeeded by | Marcus Henry |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 29, 1971 Bay City, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Lauren Meyer |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Brown University (BA) University of Michigan (JD) |
Matthew S. Meyer (born September 29, 1971) is an American politician and lawyer. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Since 2025, he has been the 76th governor of Delaware. Before that, he was the leader of New Castle County from 2017 to 2025. Meyer also worked as a lawyer and advised former Governor Jack Markell. He also worked for the U.S. State Department.
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Early Life and School
Meyer was born in Bay City, Michigan. He grew up in Wilmington, Delaware. He went to Wilmington Friends School. Then he studied at Brown University and the University of Michigan Law School.
While in high school, Meyer helped with Joe Biden's first campaign for president in 1988. Later, he worked on Bruce Sundlun's successful campaign for governor in 1990.
Career in Education and Law
Meyer joined Teach for America. He taught in public schools in Washington, D.C. for three years. He also taught at Prestige Academy in Wilmington. After law school, he won a special award called a Skadden Fellowship. This allowed him to work for Community Legal Aid in Wilmington.
Later, he became a lawyer working on business deals. He also served as a diplomat in Iraq for the U.S. State Department. He helped leaders in Mosul with economic plans to support the Iraqi people.
Meyer also advised Delaware governor Jack Markell on economic matters. In 2003, he received the Sam Beard Jefferson Award. This award is for great public service by a young person.
Leading New Castle County
Becoming County Executive
In 2016, Meyer ran for New Castle County executive. His campaign focused on honesty and improving the economy. He won the Democratic primary election against the person who was already in charge, Thomas P. Gordon. Meyer then won the main election in November. He started his job on January 3, 2017.
In 2020, Meyer ran for re-election. He won the Democratic nomination again. He then won the general election without anyone running against him.
What He Did as County Executive
Meyer chose the first African-American police chief for New Castle County. He also chose the first African-American chief administrative officer.
New Castle County used money from the federal CARES Act in smart ways. They helped people and businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. In 2020, Meyer suggested that all teachers and students should return to school in the fall.
In October 2020, New Castle County bought a hotel. They used CARES funds to turn it into a shelter for people without homes. This place, called The Hope Center, opened in December 2020.
Meyer also won a regional Emmy award in 2022. He was a producer for a short film called "The Pathway Home." This film showed how The Hope Center started and helped people.
Governor of Delaware
Running for Governor in 2024
Meyer could not run for county executive again after two terms. So, he decided to run for governor of Delaware in 2024. He announced his campaign in June 2023. He won the Democratic primary election on September 10, 2024.
In the main election, he ran against Republican Mike Ramone. Meyer's campaign promised things like free preschool and free school meals. He also wanted to cancel medical debt and make police more accountable. Meyer won the election. This continued a long tradition of Democratic governors in Delaware.
What He Does as Governor
After reports that Facebook's parent company, Meta Platforms, might leave Delaware, Meyer met with lawyers. These meetings were to try and keep companies like Meta and Tesla in Delaware. A lot of Delaware's money comes from fees paid by companies that are based there.
On January 24, 2025, Meyer signed an order. This order aims to make it easier to build affordable homes.
His Political Ideas
In May 2017, Meyer made a rule for New Castle County police. It said they could not stop or arrest people just because of their immigration status. It also said county officials should not help federal immigration officers. This made New Castle County a sanctuary county. Meyer said police should focus on keeping everyone safe, not on immigration laws.
Meyer also supports a $15 an hour minimum wage. He raised the minimum wage for county workers to $15 an hour.
Personal Life
Meyer lives in Wilmington, Delaware. He lives with his wife, Lauren, and their son. He is Jewish.
See also
In Spanish: Matt Meyer para niños
