18 Facts About Kathy McGuiness

Kathleen Kramedas McGuiness was born on February 14,1967 and is an American politician who was the Delaware state auditor, from January 2019 until October 2022.

On September 13,2022, Kathy McGuiness lost the Democratic primary election to challenger Lydia York in a 42-point landslide.

Kathy McGuiness ran to represent the 14th district in the Delaware House of Representatives in 2024 and was endorsed by retiring representative Peter Schwartzkopf, but lost in the primary election to Claire Snyder-Hall after coming in third place.

Kathy McGuiness earned her bachelor's degree in biology at the Florida Institute of Technology and her bachelor's degree in pharmacy from Northeastern University in Boston.

Kathy McGuiness sold her pharmacy in 2002 to become a real estate agent.

Kathy McGuiness was elected a city of Rehoboth Beach commissioner in 2000.

Kathy McGuiness moved back to Delaware and was elected to another term as a town commissioner in 2014.

Kathy McGuiness was appointed to the Delaware State University Board of Trustees by then governor, Jack Markell and reelected to the town board in 2017.

Kathy McGuiness won the Democratic Party nomination, defeating Kathleen Davies and former state representative Dennis E Williams in the primary election.

Kathy McGuiness defeated Republican James Spadola in the general election to become the first woman elected to the position.

Kathy McGuiness was sworn into office on January 1,2019, replacing Republican Tom Wagner, who had decided not to seek reelection after serving in the office since 1989.

On October 11,2021, Kathy McGuiness was indicted on two felony charges and several misdemeanor charges that she paid her daughter and her daughter's friend nearly $30,000 from the state for jobs they did not work, orchestrated no-bid contracts for former campaign consultants while avoiding reporting requirements, and engaged in email surveillance and other intimidation of employees who became aware of her misconduct, among other charges.

On July 1,2022, Kathy McGuiness was found guilty of conflict of interest, structuring, and official misconduct and not guilty of felony theft and intimidation.

Kathy McGuiness faced up to 1 year in prison, but had a presumptive sentence of probation.

On October 19,2022, Kathy McGuiness was sentenced to one year of probation and 500 hours of community service and was given a $10,000 fine for conflict of interest and official misconduct.

Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings declined to retry McGuiness on the misconduct charges.

In May 2024, Kathy McGuiness announced she was running for the Delaware House of Representatives in the 14th district.

Kathy McGuiness was endorsed by former Delaware House Speaker Peter Schwartzkopf, her longtime friend who has represented the 14th district since 2002 but declined to run for reelection.