There’s still nearly a month to go until the candidate filing deadline for Rehoboth Beach’s municipal election, and voters already know there will be a full slate of candidates.

Commissioner Susan Stewart announced her intentions for the soon-to-be vacant mayoral seat last week.

Now, Commissioners Patrick Gossett and Mark Saunders have announced their intentions for their two seats. The two incumbents filed their paperwork with the city May 6.

Gossett is seeking the third term of his second stint as a commissioner. He began his current term in 2020 and was unopposed in 2023. He previously served for nine years before deciding not to run in 2018.

Gossett said he’s running for re-election because there’s a lot of work underway and he thinks he has the energy, experience and vision to turn the city’s plans into reality. He said projects include clarifying and modernizing city code to make it more user-friendly, guiding the construction of three new hotels, exploring a new performing arts facility and completing the update of the city’s comprehensive development plan.

“These decisions will shape our city for future generations,” said Gossett. “As commissioner, I have advocated for – and helped design – these efforts, and voters have supported my practical, commonsense, no-drama approach.”

Gossett will be the first commissioner to run for re-election who was involved with hiring City Manager Taylour Tedder. He said in his conversations with residents, the majority feel Tedder is doing a good job.

“We hired him because he was the right person – with the right skills – to meet the needs of our city. He has now been in the role for two years, and most residents are ready to focus on the work ahead rather than relitigate decisions from the past,” said Gossett.

Saunders ran for office in 2024, but lost to Suzanne Goode and Craig Thier. However, he was appointed to his seat a few months later after former Commissioner Don Preston stepped down with half of his term left.

Saunders said he’s running for office to continue the work he’s doing and to make further efforts to improve the quality of life of the entire community. He highlighted efforts to improve pedestrian and bike safety, and the coordination of seasonal dates as chair of the city’s streets & safety advisory committee. He also highlighted working with the Cape Henlopen Senior Center to help facilitate its move.

Looking forward, Saunders pointed to some of the same projects Gossett mentioned – hotels and arts facility – that will shape how Rehoboth looks for decades to come. He also said there are infrastructure needs, and issues with protecting the city’s trees and lakes.

“I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I think I can help with the process,” said Saunders. “I’m ready to put the time in if [I am] fortunate to be chosen in this election.”

Mayor Stan Mills announced May 4 he will not be seeking re-election after two terms.

The city’s election is scheduled to take place Saturday, Aug. 8. The deadline to file as a candidate is 4:30 p.m., Monday, June 1.