# Delaware Democratic treasurer primary race

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/delaware-democratic-treasurer-primary-race
> Updated: 2026-08-31T14:56:42.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The Democratic primary for Delaware state treasurer has seen record-breaking financial activity, with spending between the two leading candidates expected to exceed $1 million. The primary contenders are Ted Lauzen, a Wilmington investment manager endorsed by the state Democratic Party, and Michael A. Smith, an economist and nonprofit founder endorsed by the state’s teachers’ union.

Lauzen has received contributions from Republicans, while Smith has received support from artificial intelligence-backed donors. Smith, who is campaigning to be the state’s first openly LGBTQ treasurer, has focused his platform on the state’s affordability crisis, specifically addressing utility bills, property taxes, and healthcare costs. He aims to utilize his background in financial analysis and his experience with the Delaware House Democratic Caucus to assist citizens in long-term financial planning.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Michael Smith campaigns for Delaware treasurer position

Economist and former legislative staffer Michael Smith is running to become Delaware’s first openly LGBTQ treasurer, focusing on economic stability and the state's affordability crisis.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michael-smith-campaigns-for-delaware-treasurer-position

### 2026-08-26: Delaware Democratic treasurer race exceeds $1M in funding

Delaware's Democratic primary for state treasurer is seeing record-breaking campaign spending, with candidates Ted Lauzen and Michael A. Smith raising over $1 million combined.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/delaware-democratic-treasurer-race-exceeds-1m-in-funding

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Cite as: Delaware Democratic treasurer primary race. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/delaware-democratic-treasurer-primary-race