BREAKING!!: Delaware Working Families Party Announces Endorsements

Here is the press release in its entirety:

Delaware Working Families Party Announces First Round of Endorsements in 2024 Elections

Endorsements Include Collin O’Mara For Governor, Slate of State House Candidates

Newark, DE—On Saturday, May 4th, the Delaware Working Families Party will hold a kickoff event to celebrate their first round of endorsements for the 2024 election season. These endorsements include:

• Collin O’Mara for Governor

• Branden Fletcher for State House District 3

• Terrell Williams for State House District 9

• Kamela Smith for State House District 15

• Frank Burns for State House District 21

• Monica Beard for State House District 22

• Eric Morrison for State House District 27

• Monica Shockley-Porter for State House District 29

“Over the last few years, thanks in large part to Working Families champions in the legislature, we have seen immense progress on issues like a $15 minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, and moving to clean energy,” said Karl Stomberg, Political Director for the Delaware Working Families Party. “However, due to resistance from our current governor and State House leadership, progress on issues like free school meals for all, true police reform, and community workforce agreements has been stalled or non-existent. We believe that these leaders the WFP was proud to endorse will move us forward on all of these critical issues that working class people in Delaware want progress on.”

Of the state house candidates that are running, one is running for an open seat, two are running to replace incumbent Democrats, and three are running to replace incumbent Republicans. Eric Morrison is the only incumbent endorsed in this first round, as he is facing a corporate primary challenger, but other incumbents will be endorsed later this cycle.

Over the last two cycles, the Delaware Working Families Party has endorsed 12 state legislative candidates and has won in 7 of those races. In 2020, they supported Marie Pinkney who defeated the Senate Pro Tempore at the time, David McBride. In 2022, they supported DeShanna Neal who defeated Larry Mitchell, the House Majority Whip at the time. In 2024, they seek to repeat those successes, including against current members of legislative leadership.

“Over the last several weeks I have had the opportunity to speak with neighbors in District 15 listening to what matters to them and what affects them personally. Neighbors in District 15 want to be heard and their voices and experiences represented,” said Kamela Smith, candidate for State House District 15. “I am running for State Representative in this district with them in mind, with their voices in my ear. I am not afraid to directly address their concerns. I am serving today for a change tomorrow.”

Many Working Families Party endorsees are also seeking to replace members of the House Republican caucus, who are two seats away from giving up a super-majority.

“Over the last few years, we have seen Republicans like my opponent hold up important legislation like vote by mail and opposing any efforts to help working families, all while pushing for corporations to get the right to vote,” said Monica Beard, candidate for State House District 22. “As a mom, I am running to represent actual working families in my district and across Delaware.”

The slow but steady withdrawal of good-paying middle-class jobs through companies like Chrysler, GM, and DuPont; the rise in poverty in relation to the rest of the country; the persistence of unaccountable police violence and other forms of institutional racism; the threat of rising sea levels and pollution to our most vulnerable communities; and so many other important issues show that the system isn’t working. There are more working families than ever who are struggling to make ends meet. Beyond the local level, the last few years of electoral success for Working Families champions shows that Delawareans are ready for change.

“As Democrats, it’s on us to enact durable solutions that support Delaware’s working families — from strengthening our public schools, creating well-paying jobs, and eliminating child hunger to ensuring healthcare, housing, and childcare are more affordable, leading on climate change, and protecting fundamental rights,” said Collin O’Mara, candidate for governor. “I am excited to be joining forces with the Working Families Party to fight for new bold policies that will expand opportunity for all Delawareans.”