We proudly endorse this group of Democratic candidates. In addition to being well-qualified, these candidates have exhibited empathy, a trait sorely lacking, especially among those in House leadership. Our interactions with them have convinced us that they are truly good people who are running for the right reasons. We strongly encourage you to support them and to donate:
STATE AUDITOR: Lydia York. In addition to her sterling credentials, York has promised to do the job of Auditor, something that hasn’t been done since Dennis Greenhouse was in office. She is committed to restoring transparency and credibility to an office that has been beset by scandal and incompetence under the current and recently-convicted incumbent.
6TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT: Russ Huxtable. He has led a selfless life of service. Please read the highlighted bio, I find it inspiring. He would immediately become an indispensable resource on affordable housing in the State Senate. He has a great chance to win the General Election as well to flip this seat that has been held by the retiring Ernesto Lopez to the D column.
1ST REP. DISTRICT: Shane Darby. When the chips were down, the incumbent representative cast his lot with Mayor Mike and Buccini/Pollin. Meaning, he offered support for the destruction of traditional neighborhoods and giving the white power structure free reign to do whatever they wanted. Shane has made clear that she will stand with the communities in opposition to the relentless Buccini/Pollin-ization of Wilmington.
6TH REP. DISTRICT: Becca Cotto. The contrast between the two candidates here couldn’t be starker. Not only has Becca helped to elect progressive candidates to office, she has fought for racial and economic justice, and, in fact, is the Executive Director of the Delaware YWCA Racial & Social Justice Program. She has pledged to never accept any corporate PAC donations. Her opponent is funded by those PAC’s, especially those who habitually pollute our land, water and air. That’s why she buried vital environmental legislation in her committee this year. Much more on this race tomorrow, where you will see the blatant contrast between the two candidates and the two campaigns.
13TH REP. DISTRICT: DeShanna Neal. We were blown away by her soft-spoken, yet powerful, presentation at the Working Families Party Candidates’ Forum. What a breath of fresh air she would be in Dover. She is literally running against one of the Kop Kabal leaders. She has a great chance to win. Her victory would go a long way toward breaking the stranglehold that the regressive leadership has on the House Democratic Caucus.
18TH RD. Sophie Phillips: It takes a lot to fill the shoes of David Bentz, one of the most effective progressive stalwarts we’ve ever had in Dover. Sophie is up to the task. She embraces unity and diversity and has worked on behalf of, well, let’s hear her in her own words:
As a community leader, I have worked with environmental and social impact groups throughout the state to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. I have organized grassroots projects, including community gardens (Southbridge!) and women’s empowerment workshops. I have formed meaningful relationships with local, state, and federal legislators to demand more equitable policy, and will continue to work with them to improve our district and state. I have the background in science and policy to make a difference for our community and ensure that everyone has a voice.
She also has the leadership skills to make a major impact in a short amount of time.
25TH RD. Cyndie Romer: It takes a lot to fill the shoes of John Kowalko, one of Delaware’s most forceful progressive advocates. Well, if you check out her bio, you’ll see her advocating for abortion rights and gun safety. Rep. Kowalko has endorsed her. She reminds me a bit of Sen. Kyle Evans Gay. Meaning, someone ready to assume a lot of responsibility right from the start.
26TH RD. Madinah Wilson-Anton. A fierce progressive champion who has pissed off the right people. I believe that Madinah was the only legislator to demand accountability for both Gerald Brady and KMG. Her ethics and sense of right-and-wrong are beyond reproach. And she’s one of the most intelligent legislators in Dover. The Delaware Way denizens, who view her ongoing success as an existential threat to their continued dominance, have recruited a RWNJ-turned-Democrat to challenge her. There will no doubt be a lot of Delaware Way $$’s going to her opponent. We need her back, and we must have her back.
27TH RD. Eric Morrison. I admit it: I questioned whether Eric could be effective in Dover. I was wrong. Not only has he been an effective legislator and a constituent service machine, the only impediment standing in his way to becoming an even more effective legislator is the Kop Kabal that did everything in their power to stop him. Now they’ve recruited an ex-cop to run against him, an ex-cop who went to high school with, wait for it, John Carney. They’re serious about this race, and we must be as well. We take care of our own.
32ND RD: Kerri Evelyn Harris. She took on Tom Carper when nobody else would. She has helped to build the grassroots infrastructure that continues to elect progressives to office. Her victory would go a long way towards unifying the fractious House Black Caucus, which would likely cause a change in the leadership of the entire House. No, this race is not easy. But it’s eminently winnable. If you live in the Dover area, this is the campaign to work for.
NCC DISTRICT 1: Brandon Toole. Everybody wins now that the Woods family has abandoned their ill-deserved sinecure. But only if Brandon Toole is elected. He triumphed over the old guard hacks to get the endorsement, and he is closely aligned with progressive leaders in the Democratic Party. Retired firefighter Frank Maule was the old-guard choice. Based on his Twitter page, he’d rather be in Aruba. For the 18th time. Literally. Give us someone who is, you know, engaged.
These candidates have been endorsed by:
Mark Brunswick
Al Mascitti
Jason Scott
Steve Tanzer