Rehoboth mayor will not seek re-election

After two terms as Rehoboth Beach mayor, Stan Mills will not seek re-election in 2026.

Mills made an announcement during the May 4 commissioner meeting.

“After a great deal of reflection, I have decided not to seek re-election this year,” he said. “Serving as mayor of Rehoboth Beach has been one of the great honors of my life. I’m proud of what we have accomplished together, but it is time for the next chapter and for new leadership to carry the city forward.”

Mills was elected as mayor in 2020 and ran unopposed in 2023. Prior to that, he was a commissioner for 12 years before deciding not to seek re-election in 2019.

Mills said he will continue to carry out his responsibilities as mayor until the annual organizational meeting in September.

“I’m not going away anytime soon,” said Mills.

After the meeting, Mills said he plans on spending more time with family – his wife, dog and cat.

Commissioner Susan Stewart announced her intentions to seek the mayoral seat May 1. Mills said her announcement did not play a role in his decision.

“I knew where I was headed some time ago,” said Mills.

The city remains involved in a lawsuit over the hiring of City Manager Taylour Tedder, which doesn’t appear to be close to ending. Mills was the mayor who oversaw the hiring of Tedder, but he said the ongoing lawsuit didn’t play a role.

“The lawsuit is not a component of my thinking at all,” said Mills.

The seats for Commissioners Patrick Gossett and Mark Saunders are also up this year.

On the way to the executive session, Saunders, who was appointed in December 2024, said he would be announcing his intentions soon. Gossett, who is in the second term of his second stint as commissioner, could not be reached before the executive session began.

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.