The June 1 filing deadline for the 2026 Rehoboth Beach municipal election brought a flurry of last-minute filings for the mayoral seat. The two open commissioner seats didn't see the same action, but there will still be a contested race, as three candidates have filed.

In the mayoral race, sitting Commissioners Susan Stewart, Craig Thier and Suzanne Goode have filed to run. They're joined by property owner William Raak. Stewart filed May 1, while the other three each filed on deadline day.

Sitting Mayor Stan Mills announced in early May he would not seek a third term.

Stewart is in her first year as a commissioner, while Thier and Goode are each in their second. If one of them wins, the winner gets to recommend their replacement as commissioner. If Raak wins, all three would remain as commissioners because none of their seats are open this year. 

In the race for the two commissioner seats, incumbent Commissioners Patrick Gossett and Mark Saunders are looking to stay in office, and resident Jeffrey Goode filed to run.

Gossett is seeking his third term. Saunders was appointed in late 2024. Goode unsuccessfully ran last year.

The Rehoboth Beach Homeowners’ Association will host a candidates forum at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 11, at Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Station 1, 219 Rehoboth Ave.

Election information

The city’s election is scheduled to take place Saturday, Aug. 8.

The deadline to register to vote is 4:30 p.m., Thursday, July 9. To be eligible to vote, a person must be 18 or older, a resident, freeholder or leaseholder, and registered in the city’s books of registered voters. If a registered voter misses two consecutive annual elections, their name will be placed on an inactive list, and they will be notified by postcard requesting their voting status.

Absentee ballots will be available beginning Wednesday, June 24. Ballots will be sent to everyone who has an absentee ballot request form on file. Any qualified elector may request an absentee ballot to vote by filing a request for an absentee ballot form no later than noon, Friday, Aug. 7. The deadline for the city to mail ballots is Tuesday, Aug. 4. Ballots must be received by mail or in person before the polls close on the day of the election.

For more information, contact Donna Moore at 302-227-6181, Ext. 108, or go to cityofrehoboth.com.