Matt Meyer

Matthew Stephen Meyer is an American Democratic politician serving as the 76th governor of Delaware since January 2025. A former public school mathematics teacher and small business owner, Meyer previously held the position of New Castle County Executive from 2017 to 2025. He was elected governor in November 2024 after winning a competitive Democratic primary against Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, whose campaign was marred by a finance scandal, and defeating Republican state Representative Michael Ramone in the general election.

Meyer's tenure as governor has emphasized initiatives in housing affordability, zoning reform, and efficient government operations, reflecting his prior experience in local administration. Notable actions include signing legislation overhauling Delaware's corporate franchise tax and governance laws in March 2025, a move that followed intense legislative debate and altered the state's longstanding appeal to corporate incorporations. His administration has also prioritized safeguards against exploitation and smart growth policies to address construction costs and first-time homebuying challenges. Meyer, an Ivy League graduate with international experience including entrepreneurship in Africa and service as a U.S. diplomat in Iraq, has positioned himself as a reform-oriented leader occasionally at odds with elements of his own party.

Matthew Stephen Meyer was born on September 29, 1971, in Bay City, Michigan, and relocated to Delaware as a child, where he grew up in Wilmington. His family belonged to Delaware's small Jewish community, with Meyer identifying as Ashkenazi Jewish and practicing the faith.

Meyer identifies as Jewish and is recognized as the second Jewish governor in Delaware's history, following Jack Markell who served from 2009 to 2021. He is a member of Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington, Delaware, where he has participated in community events supporting broader social causes.

Following his election victory on November 5, 2024, Meyer visited the Chabad center in Wilmington, where he donned tefillin in a traditional Jewish ritual and engaged with local rabbis. In April 2025, he hosted a Passover Seder at his home, attended by President Joe Biden, emphasizing themes of reflection and governance.