I just got word from a source that State Senator Karen Peterson has announced her retirement on the floor of the Senate. This is devastating news for progressives in this state.
From the News Journal:
Peterson, the state’s first openly gay state lawmaker, was a leading champion of the same-sex marriage law that passed in 2013. She announced her decision not to run again after noting her wife, Vikki Bandy, was in the Senate chamber.
“I wanted her to be with me as I announce my retirement. I will not be running for re-election this year,” Peterson said as several colleagues gasped in surprise. “You just know in your heart when it’s time. And it’s true. For me, it’s time.”
From Delaware Public Media:
Audible gasps filled the Senate chamber as Sen. Karen Peterson made her retirement known shortly after lawmakers gaveled into session.
Peterson was first elected to her Stanton-area seat in 2002 after having previously served as New Castle County Council President from 1981-1989.
She first worked at Leg Hall in 1969 as an attaché and made several stops there while working at the state Department of Labor.
Clearly, from the reaction, and from my sources, this announcement was unexpected. I wonder if Peterson tabling Senate Bill 190, which is the first leg of an amendment to the Delaware Constitution to provide for equal protection under the law to all citizens regardless of race, sex, age, religion, creed, color, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, had anything to do with it.
The filing deadline is July 12. There are no state representatives residing in her district. Literally none.