Delaware Lawmakers Sail Into November Election Without Opposition

More Than a Dozen Races Already Settled

Delaware voters will see plenty of contested races on the November ballot, but a number of candidates have already secured election with no opponents standing in their way. Delaware has 52 General Assembly seats up for reelection this year, and fewer than half held primary challenges this past September.

Minor party leaders had until Sept. 1 to field challengers in races where Democratic candidates were otherwise unopposed. While some incumbents, including Gerald Hocker, Jeffrey Spiegelman, Larry Lambert and Melanie Ross Levin, will face opposing-party challengers this fall, more than a dozen races appear all but settled.

Some races, like the contests for Delaware attorney general and state Senate Districts 1 and 5, did see last-minute contestants join. Others are guaranteed an undisputed winner in November.

Senators Running Unopposed

Democratic incumbent Sen. Jack Walsh is running unopposed this November and will secure his seat once more ahead of next session. The Stanton Democrat previously backed legislation on labor rights, animal welfare and consumer protection.

Walsh beat Democratic challenger Dawn Briggs in the Sept. 15 primary with close to 76% of the vote, according to the results from the Delaware Department of Elections. Incumbent Sen. Marie Pinkney is also running unopposed and is assured another term in the Senate.

The Bear-area Democrat has represented the district for more than five years, focusing on education, health care and addressing social and racial inequities. Incumbent Senate Minority Whip Brian Pettyjohn is running unopposed and will retain his seat.

The Georgetown Republican has represented the district since 2012, focusing on public safety, education and agriculture. He also serves on the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council.

House Members Guaranteed New Terms

Democratic newcomer Michelle Booker is one of the few new faces slated to join the House chamber in January. Her platform centers on expanding addiction treatment and recovery services, protecting immigrant communities and ending policies that criminalize poverty.

Booker beat longtime incumbent Rep. Stephanie Bolden by only 67 votes this September. Given that there is no Republican challenger filed, Booker is guaranteed to win the seat Nov.

Incumbent Rep. Kendra Johnson is running unopposed and will retain the seat she has held since 2018. The Bear Democrat has backed legislation on voting rights, long-term care and reproductive health during her time in office.

Rep. DeShanna Neal is running unopposed and will retain the seat. The Elsmere Democrat has backed legislation on education, mental health, health care and accessibility protections, as well as measures regulating energy and caffeinated drinks in schools. Freshman Rep. Kamela Smith is running unopposed and will retain her seat.

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