Christina Jedra

The News Journal

Gerald W.V. Patterson, the Libertarian candidate for the mayor of Wilmington, died on Aug. 31, the Department of Elections learned Friday.

Patterson was slated to appear on the ballot for the November general election along with Independent Steven Washington, Republican Robert Martin and the winner of Tuesday's Democratic primary.

Patterson, 57, was an ordained minister and entrepreneur, according to his mother, Gracie A. Cooper, 75. He was a father of a daughter, 33, and two sons, ages 29 and 32, she said.

"He was a gifted salesman, strong talker, very determined man," she said by phone from Patterson's hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. "Once he set his mind to something, he intended to accomplish it."

Cooper said she spoke to her son once a week and last heard from him on Aug. 28. He was found dead in his home two days later. The cause of death is unknown, she said, but foul play is not suspected.

Patterson, who Cooper said was outgoing and could usually be found wearing a suit, had lived in Wilmington for about five years.

"He would talk about what he’d like to do for Wilmington," Cooper said. "He wanted to serve the community."

Patterson was also a U.S. Navy veteran, the Congo Funeral Home said.

Patterson's campaign for mayor did not involve yard signs, billboards or door hangers. Instead, he appears to have promoted himself to voters on Craigslist, according to an ad posted 16 days ago. A phone number posted on the ad directs callers to a raspy 22-minute monologue, apparently prerecorded by the candidate in which he introduces himself: "W as in winning, V as in victory ... It is my sole desire to serve you all."

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In the recording and on the Craigslist ad, Patterson seems to outline his mayoral goals. The ad, written with all capitalized letters, states that Patterson would only accept $1 of his mayoral salary and would donate the rest to "A Special Trust Fund Called Loves Haven For The Seniors, Residents And Businesses Who Are In Need Of Financial Assistance."

Anthony Albence, director of the New Castle County Department of Elections, said it's too late for the Libertarian Party to submit an additional candidate for the November election.

Scott Gesty of the Libertarian Party of Delaware said the situation is unexpected.

"We are disappointed that we will not be able to offer the people of Wilmington different choice in this election. As we continue to grow as a party, we look forward to putting more candidates on the ballot in future elections," he said in a statement.

Contact Christina Jedra at cjedra@delawareonline.com, (302) 324-2837 or on Twitter @ChristinaJedra.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Gerald Patterson would be listed on the November ballot. He was slated to appear on the ballot before his death.