Two more candidates enter Rehoboth’s 2025 election
The Monday, June 2 deadline to file for Rehoboth Beach’s 2025 municipal election is fast approaching, and two more people have recently filed, making it a race among four people for two seats.
Incumbent Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski filed his paperwork with the city May 19. A little more than a week later, May 27, property owner Chris Galanty filed his paperwork.
Chrzanowski is seeking his third three-year term. He was first elected in 2019 and then again in 2022, when he and Commissioner Francis “Bunky” Markert were the only two people in a race for two seats.
There are other commissioners with more total years of experience – Mayor Stan Mills, Commissioner Patrick Gossett – but Chrzanowski, who could not be reached for comment, is the longest consecutively serving commissioner on the board.
Galanty is seeking his first term in office. He’s an urban planner with three decades of experience, and has been active as a volunteer in Washington, D.C., and Rehoboth. He said he’s looking to strengthen the community of Rehoboth Beach, ensure sustainable growth and bring thoughtful leadership to the board of commissioners.
Galanty said his campaign will focus on quality-of-life improvements, sustainable development and environmental protection, support for local businesses, increased community engagement and transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
“My goal is to ensure Rehoboth Beach remains a thriving, inclusive and welcoming community for generations to come,” said Galanty, in a prepared statement.
Resident Jeffrey Goode kicked off the city’s election season when he filed his paperwork with the city April 15. Planning Commissioner Susan Stewart filed her paperwork May 5. As of press deadline May 29, Markert has not filed for re-election.
Election information
Rehoboth Beach’s 2025 annual municipal election is Saturday, Aug. 9. Interested candidates must turn in a petition signed by at least 10 qualified voters, but not more than 25, to the city manager by 4:30 p.m., Monday, June 2. To get a nominating petition, submit a request to elections@cityofrehoboth.com, or call Donna Moore or Steven Perry at 302-227-6181, Ext. 159.
To be eligible to vote, a person must be 18, 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. The deadline to register is 4:30 p.m., Thursday, July 10.
Absentee ballots will be available beginning Wednesday, June 25. 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. 8. The deadline for the city to mail ballots is Tuesday, Aug. 5. 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.
Chris Flood has been working for the Cape Gazette since early 2014. He currently covers Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres, but has also covered Dewey Beach and the state government. He covers environmental stories, business stories and random stories on subjects he finds interesting, and he also writes a column called Choppin’ Wood that runs every other week. He’s a graduate of the University of Maine and the Landing School of Boat Building & Design.