John Carney

John Carney

Degree: 1986, MPA

Job Title: Mayor, City of Wilmington

John Carney became Wilmington’s 58th mayor when he was elected on November 5, 2024. Prior to serving as mayor of Delaware’s largest city, he took office as Delaware’s 74th Governor in January 2017, focused on making Delaware’s economy more competitive, preparing Delaware’s children to succeed, and building a long-term sustainable financial plan for the State of Delaware. Working with Delawareans across the state, and with members of the General Assembly, he has made progress on each of those priorities. John has directed new resources to high-needs schools, partnered with the private sector to drive job creation, and taken steps to lower healthcare costs for Delaware families, businesses, and taxpayers.

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 began his second term as Governor on January 19, 2021. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, John attempted to balance the need for a healthy community with the need for a strong economy. Working with Delawareans across communities and Members of the General Assembly, John remained focused on beating COVID-19, rebuilding the state's economy, ensuring all Delaware children have an opportunity to succeed, and recommitting to a long-term sustainable financial plan for the State of Delaware. John has prioritized investments in safe and affordable housing and has ensured that small businesses get the support they need to thrive. His administration has also developed a Climate Action Plan as a roadmap for how Delaware can combat and prepare for climate change in the years ahead.

From 2011 to 2017, John served as Delaware’s lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives. During his three terms in Congress, John worked with members of both parties to find solutions to the most important challenges facing the nation. He supported the revitalization of American manufacturing through the “Make It In America” agenda. He was a lead sponsor of the centerpiece of the Jumpstart our Businesses (JOBS) Act that made it easier for small- and medium-sized businesses to grow and create jobs. John also introduced legislation that was signed into law to prevent critical prescription drug shortages, and he was the lead sponsor on a successful bill to help veterans more easily enter the job market.

Prior to his time in Congress, John served two terms as Delaware’s Lieutenant Governor. Between 2001 and 2009, John developed the Lt. Governor’s Challenge to encourage Delawareans to live active, healthier lifestyles while focusing on improving the state’s education system and fighting the impact of cancer. He also created and implemented the Models of Excellence in Education program that allowed schools throughout the state to share best practices. In addition, John was a strong supporter of the Delaware smoking ban and he led the fight for a Cancer Right to Know law, ultimately passed in 2008. John also served as Chairman of the Delaware Healthcare Commission, the Criminal Justice Council, and the Delaware Science & Technology Council.

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