WILMINGTON, Delaware — Pete du Pont, the former Republican governor, presidential candidate and DuPont heir whose sprawling influence transformed state government and helped bring the credit card industry to Delaware, died Saturday. He was 86.
Du Pont died in his Wilmington home after battling a “long illness,” said Bob Perkins, former chief-of-staff. Because of the pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Born with Delaware’s most famous surname, du Pont broke from the family business (and tradition) to become a politician. He entered office as governor when the state was in crisis. In eight years, he led efforts to limit excess spending, dramatically cut income taxes and created a slew of government agencies.