John Carney

John Carney

Degree: 1986, MPA

Job Title: Governor, State of Delaware

John Carney (MPA '86) was sworn in as Governor of the State of Delaware on January 17, 2017.

From 2011 to 2016, he served as Delaware’s lone representative in the United States House of Representatives. Throughout his career, John has worked with both parties to find solutions to complicated issues. He sponsored numerous bills to help create jobs, reduce the deficit, and grow the economy.  In April 2012, President Obama signed into law the JOBS Act, the centerpiece of which was John’s legislation making it easier for small- and medium-sized businesses to undertake an initial public offering to grow and create jobs. Carney was the only freshman House Democrat to pass a major piece of legislation in the 112th Congress.

The second of nine children, John was born in Wilmington and raised in Claymont. After college, John chose a career of serving his community. He returned home to get his Masters degree in Public Administration from the Biden School at the University of Delaware while also coaching freshmen football under legendary coach Tubby Raymond.

John’s first job in public service came as a member of the inaugural class of the Institute for Public Administration’s Legislative Fellows Program. From there, he worked in the office for then-Sen. Joe Biden, as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for New Castle County, and as Deputy Chief of Staff and Secretary of Finance under then-Governor Tom Carper.

John was twice elected Lieutenant Governor of Delaware. During his terms, he focused on improving the state’s education system, fighting the impact of cancer, and improving the health and wellbeing of Delawareans. 

John lives in Wilmington with his wife Tracey. They have two sons, Sam and Jimmy.