“We are kings of our bikes. So, we are again really lucky to live in Rehoboth, when we park a car, we have to get back into the car. We can hop on our bikes and our ritual is that we are always biking from our home to L(ewe)s. We do a little bit of walking around, a little bit of margarita, a little bit of good food – there’s amazing food then bike right back. So the ritual, on our bikes, every chance we can, any place we can go, and eliminate the cars.”–Dan Cruce.
1. R State Senator David Lawson Announces Retirement. (Hmmm, does that leave Franklin Cooke as the only ex-cop left in the General Assembly?) Ex-cop, ex(?)- gun range owner won’t seek reelection. We’ll likely find out if anybody is an improvement on Lawson. The district is almost certain to remain in Republican hands. Back in 2020, D Jaci Hugg did about as well as you could expect from a D challenger in the 15th SD–she garnered about 45% of the vote against Lawson. The district became more Republican following the 2022 redistricting, and it made sense to do so in order to shore up adjacent districts that were more hospitable to Democrats. The current registration numbers in the western Kent County district are: 11,152 D; 14,251 R; 14,350 I.
Annnd–just like that, one Emily Thompson has filed for that SD 15 seat. Yes, she’s a Republican. Here is the statement announcing her candidacy:
Family, friends, and neighbors,
I am a lifelong resident of Delaware’s 15th Senate District, where my family has lived, worked, and built small businesses for generations. This community shaped my values, strengthened my commitment to service, and has always been home. After deep reflection and many meaningful conversations, I have officially filed to be a candidate for the Delaware State Senate in District 15, motivated by a deep belief in our community and a commitment to building a stronger future for our families.
I’m running to serve our community with honesty, common sense, and a deep respect for the people who make Delaware strong. That means accountability in government spending, protecting family farms and small businesses, and strengthening education and early support so families get help when it matters most.
I want to share something important as I make this announcement. Senator Dave Lawson, who has faithfully served this district for many years, has become a mentor and a dear friend to me. I have learned so much from his example of service, integrity, and dedication to this community. It is my sincere hope to serve District 15 in the same thoughtful, committed way he has, and to honor the leadership legacy he has built.
Over the coming weeks, I look forward to listening, learning, and sharing more about how we can move Delaware forward together. I’m grateful for your support and excited about what we can accomplish together.
At first glance, potentially an upgrade over Lawson.
2. Janet Kilpatrick Reconsidering Retirement? I remain skeptical, but I’ve heard it from two different sources. What we need is a Democrat who will stand against the mega-data centers. Ain’t a lot of Tim Sheldon’s construction trades voters in that Hockessin/Greenville councilmanic district. That issue alone should be enough to retire Kilpatrick, one way or another. All we need now is a credible candidate…
3. El Somnambulo Surfs The Campaign Finance Reports So That You Don’t Have To. This week’s highlights, according to me:
Colleen Davis has spent her remaining campaign funds.
Kids, check out the report from Sheet Metal Workers Local 19. They report total receipts of $51,099.90 for the year, and, get this, allegedly without a single donation above $100. I smell shenanigans. BTW, probably a misprint, but a $5000 contribution went to “House Of Democrats”. I love stuff like this. Although a contribution to “3-D House Of Stewardesses” would have been cooler. Might have even earned the fellas at the Sheet Metal Lodge those complimentary 3-D glasses.
Claire Snyder-Hall raised over $54 K this year, almost all of it from within her district. One of the healthiest reports I’ve seen so far.
R Mark Pugh, who is seeking a rematch with Sen. Kyra Hoffner in SD 14, raised $19K this year. A respectable amount, which is to be expected, as he came very close last time and is not currently facing any primary opposition. I suspect that Hoffner may report an even larger war chest. This could be one of the most competitive races of the cycle.
That’s all I’ve got this week. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?