Wilmington mayor will not serve a second term

Delaware’s primary election results show changes in the state’s largest city that will soon be led by a new mayor.

Mayor Dennis Williams who took office four years ago will now pass on the baton to Mike Purzycki, the executive director of the Riverfront Development Corporation. Williams who carried about 13 percent of the votes on Tuesday said he has no regrets.

“I feel very vindicated. I’m a competitor, I’m going to retire. And I pray for the next mayor, and if the next mayor ever wants any advice from me, I’m going to roll my sleeves up and help them because I love this city,” Williams said.

He added, “I’ve had multiple careers and most people will never see this in a lifetime and I’m blessed. I can tell people I was mayor, I was a state Rep., I was a soldier I was a police officer. How many people can say they’ve had all these careers and are still standing.” 

Meanwhile Purzycki, who vowed to turn the city during his campaign ran against Williams and six others.  He credited everyone who ran in the race.

“I have nothing but the highest respect for the people who ran in this race. I know how hard they rand and I know how gut wrenching sick and disappointed they are right now,” Purzycki said.

The head of the Riverfront Redevelopment Authority finished with just under 3,000 votes. The second place finisher was newcomer Eugene Young.  Kevin Kelley who finished second in 2012 in his lost to Williams came in third followed by Williams who finished fourth.

Wilmington is overwhelmingly democratic.  There is a republican in the race, Ethan Martin. If Purzycki wins on November 8th he  will take office in January 2017.