The Delaware House of Representatives consists of 41 members, each of whom is elected to a two-year term. There is no limit to the number of terms that a Representative may serve. All revenue generating legislation must begin in the House. State representatives introduce and vote on proposed legislation, approve the annual budget for the state, and serve on assigned committees. The General Assembly of Delaware meets in Dover three days a week between mid-January and the end of June. The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the House. The Speaker is elected to the position by a majority of the representatives to run the mechanics of the House, including appointing committees and their members and assigning legislation to committee.
Salary: $51,692/year
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Party: Democrat
Community Involvement: CAMP Rehoboth Board member, Sussex YMCA Board Member, Meals on Wheels Board Member, Delaware State University Trustee, Delaware Motion Picture Commission, Founding President Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Rehoboth Sunrise Rotarian, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxillary member and volunteer,Volunteer for Shepherds House, Jusst Soup Mission, Races to Run, Seashore Striders
Campaign Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/mcguinessfordelaware
Campaign Email: km@votemcguiness.com
Work Experience: Delaware Registered Pharmacist 30 years, Small Business owner of 2 retail store in Rehoboth Beach, Delawares 1st Female State Auditor 2020-20204, Delaware Licensed Realtor
Education: Cape Henlopen High School Grad -Bachelors degree- Biology Florida Institute of Technology -Bachelors degree Pharmacy- Northeastern University
Additional Information: Delaware Tourism Person of the Year, Delaware Pharmacist of the Year, Business and Professional Womens Employer of the Year
Campaign Website: McGuinessfordelaware.com
Campaign Twitter Handle: @kmcguiness302
Neighborhood/area of residence: Rehoboth Beach
Campaign Phone: (302) 245-7355
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: Important challenges include the budget, attracting and retaining a state workforce, and creating jobs. To address the budget, I will work to track revenue and use excess revenue for one time projects. Attracting and retaining jobs, along with creating jobs includes incentivizing those to come to or stay in Delaware. As President of Rehoboth Beach Main Street and a City of Rehoboth Commissioner, I helped Rehoboth attract nearly $80 million in investment – $38 million in public investment and $41 million in private investment, grow 16 net new businesses in part because I made calls to local and national retailers in my spare time to fill vacant storefronts, and benefit from 95 net new jobs.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: Delaware is facing a housing crisis. Delaware families are struggling to find safe and affordable places to live amid inventory shortages, soaring prices and systemic barriers to homeownership. I look forward to the findings of the Affordable Housing Production Task Force, created by HB 442 sponsored by Rep. Johnson and Sen. Huxtable. The mission of this task force is to investigate and make findings to the Governor and the General Assembly on how State and local governments can increase production of affordable rental units and homes in Delaware. This Task Force will focus on factors including regulatory and permitting; zoning; finance; construction; manufactured housing; and a diverse cross section of our community.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: The government has no role to play with a woman’s health and her reproductive choices.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: Delaware currently has two revolving funds that address water: the Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund and the Water Pollution Revolving Loan Fund. The Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund provides financial assistance to public water systems for drinking water facilities. The fund, administered by DNREC and DHSS, receives federal funds and the state provides matching funds. The Water Pollution Fund provides low interest loans and grants to towns, private organizations, nonprofit organizations, individuals, and other applicants for projects that will improve water quality under EPA’s grants. The state must also work with the school districts to address any lead found in drinking fountains by funding to replace old pipes and water outlets.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: Yes. In 2022, Rep. Griffith introduced the Cover All Delaware Children Act, which directs DHSS to develop/operate a medical coverage program for children who are not otherwise covered, including children who are not documented. A child resident whose family income is low enough that they would qualify on that basis for Medicaid or CHIP coverage, but is not eligible for Medicaid or other federally funded coverage, is eligible for coverage/medical care under this Act. Legislation is important because, in this case, 1) morally, we need to protect children; 2) it would be a small number of children it would cover, and 3)as a Pharmacist, I see how it would save on health care costs by treating and addressing illnesses/conditions early.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Strongly support
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Disagree
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Party: Democrat
Community Involvement: Commissioner on the Delaware Human and Civil Rights Commission and Chair of the Commission’s Legislative Committee; former Board Member of the Delaware Stonewall PAC
Campaign Facebook Page: Facebook.com/MartyRendonforthe14thRD
Campaign Email: martyrendon@gmail.com
Work Experience: Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy for UNICEF USA; Staff Director of U.S. House Select Committee on Hunger; Associate Staff of House Rules Committee; Legislative Director to four Members of Congress
Education: Georgetown University School of Foreign Service (B.S.F.S); Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.)
Additional Information: Member of St. Edmond’s Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach, DE
Campaign Website: www.martyrendon.com
Neighborhood/area of residence: RBYCC in Rehoboth Beach, DE
Campaign Phone: (302) 500-1055
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: The challenges of Climate Change must be addressed in Delaware. Rising sea levels and major storms threaten our State, and other environmental issues like inland water degradation are urgent concerns. Overdevelopment and traffic congestion are key challenges. Affordable housing and homelessness must be addressed, and attracting and sustaining a local workforce are priorities. Access to affordable heath is a key consideration and bringing more health care professionals to underserved areas is essential. Finding ways to strengthen and improve our education in Delaware is important. All our human and civil rights under Delaware law must be protected and enhanced and the State must be welcoming to all its citizens.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: As a Chair of the Legislative Committee of the Delaware Human and Civil Rights Commission, I have worked with the Legislature on legislation to protect those experiencing homelessness, including advancing the concept of a “bill of rights” for those experiencing homelessness. The State should provide sustainable funding for affordable housing and encourage such housing to be available in new developments. Creation of the Affordable Housing Production Task Force is a welcome step. The State should work with nonprofit organizations to address the current housing needs for those experiencing homelessness. New temporary housing units for the unhoused should be provided while more permanent solutions are pursued.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: I will protect women’s reproductive choice and freedom to control their own bodies. Although laws already are on the books in Delaware to protect women’s reproductive rights, I will oppose efforts to turn back the clock on their established protections. I support measures to provide access to the exercise of these rights. I believe the government has no right to intervene in women’s decisions about their bodies and reproductive healthcare.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: Contaminants in Delaware’s water must be removed, particularly PFAS chemicals and nitrate. I will work with DHSS on efforts to address this. The State must work to prevent manufacturers, slaughterhouses, and factory farms from contributing to waterway contamination and pollution. Delaware must collaborate with the Federal Government to implement the Clean Water Act and enact further legislation necessary to assure clean drinking water. Public health will remain threatened until we address the pollution in our waterways.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: Yes, I would support these measures. Delaware must be welcoming and accommodating to all who live here. As a Commissioner on the Delaware Human and Civil Rights Commission, I have worked to protect the rights of immigrants in Delaware and to allow them access to the services they need to live here. I welcome the opportunity to apply in Delaware innovative approaches adopted in other States to address issues relating to the quality of life for immigrants.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Strongly support
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Strongly disagree
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Party: Democrat
Community Involvement: Leadership positions in Democratic Party for 8 years, including 4 as Chair of RD 14, Prison Ministry with The Way Home, Active Citizen
Campaign Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ClaireSnyderHall
Campaign Email: clairefordelaware@gmail.com
Work Experience: Professor of Political Science (1998-2012), Democracy Consultant (2011-2021), Director/Executive Director of Common Cause DE (2015-2017, 2021-2024)
Education: BA cum laude from Smith College, PhD in political science from Rutgers University
Additional Information: I am running for House because I want to do the work. This is not a stepping stone job for me or something to do for two terms and then retire. I am in it for the long haul, full-time.
Campaign Website: clairesnyderhall.com/
Campaign Twitter Handle: claire4delaware
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@Claire4Delaware
Neighborhood/area of residence: Villages of Old Landing in Rehoboth
Campaign Phone: (302) 569-9205
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: A lot is on the ballot in 2024: choice, LGBTQ+ rights, democracy, & the Am Dream itself. We need to secure reproductive freedom with a constitutional amendment; attract more healthcare providers (including vets) to the area; strengthen democracy with vote-by-mail, campaign finance reform, & a nonpartisan IG; ameliorate the environmental destruction caused by overdevelopment & climate change; strengthen the public schools (including increased pay for educators); & address the housing crisis affecting working people & the unhoused. After 13 years of political engagement in DE, including 5 as head of CCDE, I have strong relationships in Dover & a proven track record of success. I will work with colleagues to address our most pressing problems.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: Homelessness is a very serious problem, particularly in Sussex. I consider housing a human right. I will work with allies & colleagues to find creative solutions. For example, I’d like to expand NCC’s Hope Center concept – where a government-purchased old hotel is being used to house people & provide wrap-around services on site. We should consider expanding “pallet communities,” e.g. in Georgetown, & make sure wrap-around services are conveniently available. Unhoused people need access to the same kinds of services that we all do – healthcare, substance abuse counseling, jobs, childcare, etc. And let’s make sure returning citizens, those fleeing DV, or taking refuge in DE b/c of transphobia or other reasons don’t fall through the cracks.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: I’ve always been a strong supporter of reproductive freedom. The gov’t should not tell us whether or when to have children. No one should be forced to bear a child because they cannot access or afford an abortion, & no one should feel compelled to have an abortion because they are too poor to support a family. In addition, gov’t should never control the reproductive decisions of people on public assistance or implement forced sterilization. Fortunately, DE protects abortion access & protects providers. In addition, many positive additional protections were passed last session. However, we still need a constitutional amendment to protect the right to choose. On a related note, we need protections for providers of gender-affirming care.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: Clean water is essential for life, but unfortunately our waterways & groundwater are contaminated because of agricultural run-off & rapid development. A recent report by the Center for Inland Bays (CIB) gives our waterways a grade of D. We need to strengthen environmental protections to improve water quality & also make better land use decisions. We need increased buffers & a decrease in clear-cutting of land prior to development. The General Assembly should take decisive action when county government fails to address critical problems. I support legislation that provides for clean water, as well as funding for the CIB. I believe environmental laws should have teeth. I’d support subsidized water testing & filtration systems for homeowners.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: Yes, I support allowing undocumented immigrants greater access to healthcare, housing, and financial services, such as food benefits. Healthcare, housing, and adequate food are basic human rights that should be available to all people. I support government programs working in partnership with faith communities and non-profit organizations to help people in need.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Strongly support
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Strongly disagree
Party: Democrat
Additional Information: College Board Member 1971 University of Baltimore, Planned Parenthood Board Member 1971, Legislative Assistant 1972 to R. Clayton Mitchell who later became the Speaker of the House of Delegates Maryland for 8 years.
Work Experience Union Electrician 15 years, IBM Customer service Rep 11 years, Appliance Sales Specialist 5 years Lowes, Insurance Sales 2 years, Field Surveyor City of Baltimore 3 years, US Coast Guard Aviation Electronics E5 4 years, Commercial Fisherman Crabs and Eels 1 year
Neighborhood/area of residence: Hawthorne
Campaign Email: bpjenkins22@yahoo.com
Education: 250 plus Semester Hours of College
Community Involvement: Vestry Member St. Peters Church Lewes, Board Member Vietnam Veterans of America
Campaign Phone: (302) 643-0422
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: Education Even though this is the 1st State it is not first in Education. Better teachers are the key and that can be accomplished by offering contracts based on standardized test score improvement tied to incentive pay for teachers. Veterans. Delaware rates last in both Health Care and % of Veterans receiving the benefits they deserve based upon lack of knowledge. Outreach to the 70,000 veterans in this State. Revenue. As long as the budgets are relying on the transfer tax to stabilize the budget growth has to end sometime. Find ways to entice small green-based businesses to locate here. Growth. Growth in the population has outpaced both revenue and infrastructure. Without new revenue sources Delaware is slowly going bankrupt.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: No human being in America should be subjected to living on the streets. Provide the homeless with places to live and training to be able to receive a hand up and not a handout. Many of the homeless need counseling in order to assimilate back into a part of productive society.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: In this society women have fought very hard to gain the rights they currently have. The nineteenth amendment gave them the right to vote. Before 1920 when that was ratified women had few rights in the United States. The loss of a woman’s right to choose what she does with her body is a neanderthal concept. This last session in the Delaware legislature a bill was drafted and passed to protect women from non-clinical abortions. That was a bill that I proposed in Maryland in 1972. Although I believe abortion should not be a woman’s first choice for contraception since many other choices exist. It should not be made illegal by the government. The bill passed in Delaware was not an endorsement for abortion it was a protection for women.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: The Romans had community-based water over 2000 years ago. It is part of the infrastructure problem in Delaware. In the 21st Century everyone should have the right to clean safe water. In a State the size of Delaware all residences should be hooked up to both water and sewer period.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: Unless you are classified as Native American we are all immigrants. The real trouble is immigrants to remain here need to be productive parts of our society. If by open access you mean provide those services to them for free, absolutely not. If it means they should be allowed access to these goods and services, most definitely as they would of had to pay for them where they migrated from.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Strongly support
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Strongly disagree
Party: Democrat
Additional Information: I have been actively involved with numerous State and Local community organizations for many years. I have a proven record of successful service in all organizations.
Work Experience: Worked as a teacher and administrator for all grade levels, elementary through post-secondary.
Neighborhood/area of residence: Milton, Delaware
Campaign Email: friendsforstellparkerselby2024@gmail.com
Campaign Website: www.friendsforstellparkerselby.com
Education: B.A. Sociology, Delaware State University; Master of Education Instruction at the University of Delaware
Community Involvement: Member of school board, including presiding as President. Vice Mayor, Milton City Council, Member Beebe Medical Center Board, DSU Board of Trustees, DE Historical Society Board, Sussex YMCA Board, President Rehoboth Art League Cottage Tour Chair
Campaign Twitter Handle: StellPSelby
Campaign Phone: (302) 480-6976
Campaign Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/friendsforstellparkerselby
Q: What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?
A: Providing a living wage to afford the basics of life, affordable housing, childcare, health care, and education are support programs that help recruit and retain a workforce by addressing these issues. Growth must be evaluated and not allowed to go unchecked, ensuring plans to address increased needs for transportation, as well as adequate and safe roads. I support state funding for land preservation, public transportation, environmental protection, and green jobs. Access to high quality early childhood education, and the early identification of disabilities is important. I promote expanding access to high quality education at all levels. I encourage programs that inform high school students of their post-secondary opportunities.
Q: Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?
A: I believe everyone deserves safe and clean shelter. I co-sponsored DE Bill 246 that provides support for home repairs for low and very low income residents to keep them in their homes and eliminate possible homelessness. We must review options to house and protect our growing homeless populations.
Q: What role should the government play with regard to a woman’s reproductive choices?
A: I believe bodily autonomy is a human right. I support protections for individuals and health care providers to ensure that privacy and rights are protected in making reproductive choices and that no adverse actions can be taken against services that are legal in this state.
Q: We have all read about communities where residents have had to boil water before using it to drink. Are there specific policies you’d support to avoid this from happening in Delaware?
A: The infrastructure in Delaware for maintaining quality water standards must remain up to date. Testing and analysis conducted at regular intervals are important to ensure the water system meets appropriate standards. I support funding for the Delaware Clean Water Initiative for all communities with an emphasis on underserved communities, which helps provide clean public drinking water for the State’s low income and underserved communities.
Q: Some states have passed innovative laws that open access to healthcare, housing, and financial services for immigrants. Would you support these measures in Delaware? (Yes or No). Please explain.
A: YES. I believe all people deserve adequate healthcare, housing and financial services. I support funding for the Delaware State Housing Authority and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services to subsidize all low income individuals and families. All humans have a right to live with dignity.
Q: How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?
A: Strongly support
Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement: “Mail-in ballots cause voter fraud.”
A: Strongly disagree
Party: Republican
Mr. Shupe did not respond to the questionnaire.
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Party: Republican
Mr. Smith did not respond to the questionnaire.
The Delaware Journalism Collaborative is a project of the Local Journalism Initiative.
