**Delaware Governor John Carney Set to Make Unprecedented Move to Wilmington Mayor**

In a historic move, Delaware Governor John Carney is poised to become the first sitting governor in modern American history to step down from his position and immediately assume the office of a mayor. Carney’s upcoming transition to mayor of Wilmington, a city with a population of 71,000, has turned heads and stirred conversations among voters and political observers alike.

Throughout his mayoral campaign, Carney and his staff have personally knocked on over 11,000 doors. Despite encountering some confusion from residents questioning if the move represents a step down from the governorship, Carney has remained steadfast in his belief that the role of mayor is, in many ways, even more challenging. “The main thing they would say is, 'Isn't this a step down?' And I would say, 'Well, I don't think so,'" Carney remarked, emphasizing the daily complexities and hands-on nature of the mayor's responsibilities.

Term limits have precluded Carney from seeking re-election as governor. His political career in Delaware is extensive, having previously served as lieutenant governor and the state's sole representative to the U.S. House. In September, he clinched the Democratic primary for mayor and faces no Republican challenger in the upcoming election, placing him on the brink of this groundbreaking political shift. Carney has even planned to leave the governor's office a few days early to be sworn in as mayor, marking an unprecedented overlap of the two roles.

Reflecting on his decision, Carney noted his frustration with the lack of progress during his tenure in Congress and his lack of interest in a possible U.S. Senate run. When the current mayor hinted at not seeking re-election, Carney saw an opportunity. Following a period of back-and-forth deliberation with the mayor, the decision became clear: “I wasn't going to run if he was going to run. He wasn't going to run if I was going to run. And then finally he said, 'I can't do it.'”

Carney believes that his experience as governor equips him to bring significant advantages to Wilmington's City Hall. “I know where the money is. I know the legislators who appropriate it," he said, highlighting his familiarity with the mechanisms for securing funding and his established relationships with state and federal lawmakers.

Addressing the personal aspect of the career shift, Carney emphasized that his focus has always been on service rather than ego. The role of mayor, he noted, involves a much closer and more personal engagement with constituents—an intimacy that can create both emotional highs and lows as he becomes directly involved in the daily lives of residents.

Carney has a deep affection for Wilmington, which he describes as a "small gem" with great diversity and a manageable size. As a sports enthusiast, he looks forward to attending local football and basketball games as a way to connect with the community and its spirit.

As Carney prepares to take on this new chapter in his long career of public service, all eyes will be on Wilmington to see how his leadership will shape the city's future.