Delaware House Democrats

11/01/2026

Following last night’s shooting on Main Street in Newark, Rep. Mara Gorman and Rep. Cyndie Romer, whose districts include the University of Delaware campus, issued the following statement:

"We are heartbroken by the horrifying news of the shooting on Main Street late last night. Main Street is the heart of our community, and no one should ever have to fear for their safety while walking through our town.

"Our thoughts and hearts are with the six individuals injured, their loved ones, and everyone in our community who experienced this terrifying ordeal. We are incredibly grateful to the Newark Police Department, the University of Delaware Police, and our emergency medical responders who acted quickly on the scene.

"In our time serving our community, reducing gun violence and fighting for common-sense public safety measures has always been a deeply personal commitment. We can never accept gun violence as normal in our hometown.

"Anyone with information or video footage from the area of Main and Choate Streets is urged to reach out to the Newark Police Department at (302) 366-7100 ext. 3480."

10/28/2026

The damage from the fire at Lulu Ross Elementary is immense, but so is the spirit and determination of the Lulu Ross community.

Yesterday, elected officials and cabinet members were invited to tour the school with district leaders, where the principal and superintendent shared updates on the damage and the work they’re putting in to make sure that the more than 600 students who attend this school have as little disruption to their education as possible. Amazingly, the district has already put together plans to get these students back in classrooms across the district as early as next week.

It was also incredible to see how the community stepped up to provide everything from child care to breakfast and lunch for these young students.

As Secretary Marten said, as state officials, we are here to help in any way we can, and we’re glad to be partners with the district and the community as they navigate this difficult situation and begin the long process of rebuilding.

10/25/2026

Following the devastating fire at Lulu Ross Elementary School in Milford Sunday morning, House Speaker Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, House Majority Leader Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris, and House Majority Whip Rep. Ed Osienski issued the following statement:

“Like many of our fellow Delawareans, we were shocked and saddened to see the news that Lulu Ross Elementary sustained serious damage in a fire early this morning.

“Thankfully, no one was injured, but our hearts go out to the more than 600 students who attend Lulu Ross, their families, and the educators and staff who make it such a special place.

“For many kids, school is one of the most important and consistent parts of their lives, and this sudden and terrifying loss of the building that they call a second home is understandably jarring and upsetting on many levels.

“And we know that the pain the school community is feeling today is shared by generations of families, former students, educators, and neighbors who have their own memories of this school and the role it’s played in their lives.

“We thank the first responders who were able to get the fire under control so quickly and the district officials who have been working around the clock to assess the damage and determine the path forward.

“There is no doubt that the road ahead will be long, but our primary concern is making sure that students, families, and staff have the support they need right now. We stand ready to work with the district and community partners to help them navigate next steps and begin the rebuilding process as soon as possible.”

10/22/2026

In light of the recent uptick in federal law enforcement actions in the state, including an incident Tuesday where an ICE agent entered Stanton Middle School’s campus, House Speaker Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, House Majority Leader Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris, and House Majority Whip Rep. Ed Osienski issued the following statement:
bit.ly/48aRIOe

10/15/2026

The recent incident at the Delaware Department of Elections today is concerning, and we hope the substance is determined to be harmless and that everyone is safe.

Election workers provide an essential public service and deserve to do their jobs safely. We thank the staff and responding agencies for their swift action as the investigation continues.

Today, October 15, 2026 at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Delaware Department of Elections (DOE) received and opened a letter which was discovered to contain a white powdery substance. Staff members followed security and USPS postal instructions on handling suspicious mail. The mail piece was isolated, staff members were decontaminated and evacuated, HVAC system was shut down, and law enforcement, state and federal partners have arrived at the office and are conducting the investigation and testing.

All election offices statewide have sent their non-essential state employees home in an abundance of caution.

Additional information will be provided to the public as the response continues.

10/12/2026

This Indigenous People’s Day, we celebrate the culture, heritage, and resilience of Indigenous communities. Delaware House Democrats were proud to champion legislation this year that was recently signed into law, establishing the Delaware Commission on Indigenous Affairs. This commission will provide a permanent platform for Indigenous voices to be heard, strengthen relationships, preserve culture and history, empower future generations, and guide our state's efforts.

You can read more about HB 365 here: bit.ly/4rS6NNM

10/07/2026

In response to the news of former Senate President Pro Tempore Patricia “Patti” Blevins’ passing, Speaker Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, House Majority Leader Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris, and House Majority Whip Rep. Ed Osienski issued the following statement:

“Today we mourn the passing of former Delaware Senate President Pro Tempore Patricia “Patti” Blevins.

Senator Blevins was a trailblazer. She began her tenure with the General Assembly in 1990, and served for 26 years, including 4 years as Senate President Pro Tempore. She was the second woman in our state to hold that position.

But that wasn’t the only way she helped to shape our state’s history. In 1993, she helped to create the Delaware Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, which closed significant gaps in the state’s response to domestic violence.

In 1994, she sponsored the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, which was the first legislation in Delaware to require all children to have a blood lead test at or around the age of 12 months. In the same decade, she aided in the creation of the Office of the Child Advocate.

By the time she left office in 2017, Sen. Blevins’ tireless efforts in building upon and improving her legislative work created such a strong foundation to support Delaware’s continued efforts in protecting victims of domestic violence and abuse, honoring marriage and gender equality, fighting cancer, and much, much more.

In 2026, we are living in a much more progressive world, yet it is still a battle to pass legislation supporting the same causes that Senator Blevins fought for in her tenure. To have made such significant legislative advancements, nearly 40 years ago as a woman operating in a male-dominated space, is remarkable.

We in House Leadership have the utmost respect, admiration, and gratitude for her and her work. Delaware is a safer, healthier, and happier state because of Senator Patti Blevins.

We are holding her family and loved ones in our thoughts during this difficult time.”

10/07/2026

Delaware is proud to be a state that, time and time again, stands up for victims of domestic violence. Victims are often placed in dangerous situations where time is of the essence, making it critical that our laws reflect that urgency and enable the swift delivery of both safety and justice.

Monday, Rep. Krista Griffith, Rep. Eric Morrison, and other Delaware lawmakers joined survivors and the advocate community to bear witness as Gov. Matt Meyer recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month with the ceremonial signing of several laws.

These laws include Rep. Morrison’s Speak Your Truth Act (HB 355), and Rep. Griffith’s HB 122, HB 213, HB 342, and HB 421. These laws strengthen Delaware’s commitment to protecting survivors, providing justice, and ensuring that victims have the support, and more importantly, the legal reinforcement they need to move forward.

10/03/2026

In the past several years, House Democrats have made serious strides in ensuring that mental health is included in every healthcare conversation, from grade-school to retirement. And the passage of HB 54 kept that momentum going this General Assembly.

HB 54, sponsored by Rep. Eric Morrison, established the Office of Su***de Prevention in Delaware, making us the 50th and final state to have a dedicated office focused on preventing su***de.

145 Delawareans died by su***de in 2024, 15 more than in 2023. Keeping mental health at the forefront of the wellness conversation helps ensure that those who need access to these kinds of services do not get lost in the noise, and can get the help they need.

To read more about this legislation, and to get a better scope of what it does, click here: https://bit.ly/41LcmlR

10/02/2026

As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, lawmakers gathered for a special ceremonial session at the New Castle Court House Museum. Now a museum, this building was once Delaware’s first court and state capitol. It was here that the colonial and first state Assembly convened and voted to separate from Pennsylvania and Great Britain, ultimately establishing the State of Delaware. 250 years later, citizens came together to reflect on that moment while also looking ahead to the future for the next generations.

To go back and watch this ceremonial session, please visit: bit.ly/DE250SESSION