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Delaware House of Representatives

From Ballotpedia
Delaware House of
Representatives
SLP-Infobox Image-Color.png
General Information
Party control:  Democrat
Session start:  January 13, 2026
Session end:  June 30, 2026
Term length:  2 years
Term limits:  None
Redistricting:  Legislature-dominant
Salary:  $45,291/year
Members
Total:  41
Democrats:  27
Republicans:  14
Other:  0
Vacancies:  0
Leadership
Speaker:  Melissa Minor-Brown (D)
Maj. Leader:  Kerri Evelyn Harris (D)
Min. Leader:  Timothy Dukes (R)
Elections
Last election:  November 5, 2024
Next election:  November 3, 2026


TheDelaware House of Representatives is thelower chamber of theDelaware State Legislature. Alongside theDelaware State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Delaware state government and works alongside thegovernor of Delaware to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Delaware House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Delaware House of Representatives meets in the state capitol building inDover, Delaware.

  • All 41 Delaware House seats are up for election in2026.
  • All 41 Delaware House seats were up for election in2024. The chambers Democratic majority increased from 26-15 to 27-14.
  • Delaware has a Democratictrifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.
  • This page contains the following information on the Delaware House of Representatives.

    Contents

    Party control

    Current partisan control

    The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Delaware House of Representatives as of February 2026:

    Partisan composition, Delaware House of Representatives
    As of February 2026
    PartyMembers
    Democratic27
    Republican14
    Other0
    Vacancies0
    Total41

    Members

    Leadership

    The speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the body. Duties of the speaker include preserving order and decorum, deciding all questions of order, signing all bills and resolutions passed by the House, and appointing all committees and subcommittees.[1]

    Leadership and members


    OfficeNamePartyDate assumed office
    Delaware House of Representatives District 1Nnamdi ChukwuochaDemocraticNovember 7, 2018
    Delaware House of Representatives District 2Stephanie BoldenDemocraticNovember 3, 2010
    Delaware House of Representatives District 3Josue OrtegaDemocraticNovember 6, 2024
    Delaware House of Representatives District 4Jeff HilovskyRepublicanNovember 9, 2022
    Delaware House of Representatives District 5Kendra JohnsonDemocraticNovember 7, 2018
    Delaware House of Representatives District 6Debra HeffernanDemocraticNovember 3, 2010
    Delaware House of Representatives District 7Larry LambertDemocraticNovember 4, 2020
    Delaware House of Representatives District 8Sherae'a MooreDemocraticNovember 4, 2020
    Delaware House of Representatives District 9Kevin HensleyRepublicanNovember 5, 2014
    Delaware House of Representatives District 10Melanie Ross LevinDemocraticNovember 6, 2024
    Delaware House of Representatives District 11Jeffrey SpiegelmanRepublicanNovember 7, 2012
    Delaware House of Representatives District 12Krista GriffithDemocraticNovember 7, 2018
    Delaware House of Representatives District 13DeShanna NealDemocraticNovember 9, 2022
    Delaware House of Representatives District 14Claire Snyder-HallDemocraticNovember 6, 2024
    Delaware House of Representatives District 15Kamela SmithDemocraticNovember 6, 2024
    Delaware House of Representatives District 16Franklin Cooke Jr.DemocraticNovember 7, 2018
    Delaware House of Representatives District 17Melissa Minor-BrownDemocraticNovember 7, 2018
    Delaware House of Representatives District 18Sophie PhillipsDemocraticNovember 9, 2022
    Delaware House of Representatives District 19Kimberly WilliamsDemocraticNovember 7, 2012
    Delaware House of Representatives District 20Alonna BerryDemocraticAugust 6, 2025
    Delaware House of Representatives District 21Frank BurnsDemocraticNovember 6, 2024
    Delaware House of Representatives District 22Michael SmithRepublicanNovember 7, 2018
    Delaware House of Representatives District 23Mara GormanDemocraticNovember 6, 2024
    Delaware House of Representatives District 24Edward S. OsienskiDemocraticNovember 3, 2010
    Delaware House of Representatives District 25Cyndie RomerDemocraticNovember 9, 2022
    Delaware House of Representatives District 26Madinah Wilson-AntonDemocraticNovember 4, 2020
    Delaware House of Representatives District 27Eric MorrisonDemocraticNovember 4, 2020
    Delaware House of Representatives District 28William Carson Jr.DemocraticDecember 9, 2007
    Delaware House of Representatives District 29William BushDemocraticNovember 7, 2018
    Delaware House of Representatives District 30Shannon MorrisRepublicanNovember 7, 2018
    Delaware House of Representatives District 31Sean LynnDemocraticNovember 5, 2014
    Delaware House of Representatives District 32Kerri Evelyn HarrisDemocraticNovember 9, 2022
    Delaware House of Representatives District 33Charles PostlesRepublicanNovember 9, 2016
    Delaware House of Representatives District 34Lyndon Dean YearickRepublicanNovember 5, 2014
    Delaware House of Representatives District 35Jesse VanderwendeRepublicanNovember 7, 2018
    Delaware House of Representatives District 36Bryan ShupeRepublicanNovember 7, 2018
    Delaware House of Representatives District 37Valerie Jones GiltnerRepublicanDecember 22, 2023
    Delaware House of Representatives District 38Ronald GrayRepublicanNovember 7, 2012
    Delaware House of Representatives District 39Daniel ShortRepublicanNovember 8, 2006
    Delaware House of Representatives District 40Timothy DukesRepublicanNovember 7, 2012
    Delaware House of Representatives District 41Richard CollinsRepublicanNovember 5, 2014


    Salaries

    See also:Comparison of state legislative salaries
    State legislative salaries, 2025[2]
    SalaryPer diem
    $51,692/yearNo per diem is paid.

    Swearing in dates

    See also:When state legislators assume office after a general election

    Delaware legislators assume office ​the first Wednesday after the first Monday in November (the day after election day).[3]

    Membership qualifications

    See also:State legislature candidate requirements by state

    Article II, Section 3 of theDelaware Constitution states: "No person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained the age of twenty-four years, and have been a citizen and inhabitant of the State three years next preceding the day of his or her election, and the last year of that term an inhabitant of the Representative District in which he or she shall be chosen, unless he or she shall have been absent on the public business of the United States or of this State."[4]


    Historical party control

    Democrats won control of the Delaware House of Representatives in 2008. In2024, they won a 27-14 majority.

    The table below shows the partisan history of the Delaware House following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin'sParty Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

    Delaware House of Representatives election results: 1992-2024

    Year'92'94'96'98'00'02'04'06'08'10'12'14'16'18'20'22'24
    Democrats1814181515121518242627252526262627
    Republicans2327232626292623171514161615151514

    Before 1992

    The Delaware House was competitive during the early 1900s. It flipped partisan control 10 times between 1912 and 1938. Republicans maintained control from the 1938 election until 1954. After that election, the chamber continued to alternate control, although not as frequently. From 1954 to 1984, control flipped six times and ended in a Republican advantage that would last another 24 years.


    Trifecta history

    Astate government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Delaware was under the following types of trifecta control:

    • Democratic trifecta: 2009-2023
    • Republican trifecta: None
    • Divided government: 1992-2008

    Delaware Party Control: 1992-2026
    Eighteen years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
    Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

    Year9293949596979899000102030405060708091011121314151617181920212223242526
    GovernorRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
    SenateDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
    HouseRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD


    Elections

    Elections by year

    Delaware state representatives servetwo-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Delaware holds elections for its legislature in even years.

    2026

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2026

    Elections for theDelaware House of Representatives will take place in 2026. The general election is onNovember 3, 2026. The primary isSeptember 15, 2026. The filing deadline isJuly 14, 2026.

    2024

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2024

    Elections for theDelaware House of Representatives took place in 2024. The general election was onNovember 5, 2024. The primary wasSeptember 10, 2024. The filing deadline wasJuly 9, 2024.

    In the 2024 elections, the Democrats increased their majority in the Delaware House of Representatives from 26-15 to 27 to 14.

    Delaware House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 5, 2024After November 6, 2024
        Democratic Party2627
        Republican Party1514
    Total4141

    2022

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2022

    Elections for theDelaware House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for September 13, 2022. The filing deadline was July 12, 2022.

    In the 2022 elections, the Democrats maintained their 26-15 majority in the Delaware House of Representatives.

    Delaware House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 8, 2022After November 9, 2022
        Democratic Party2626
        Republican Party1515
    Total4141

    2020

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2020

    Elections for the office ofDelaware House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for September 15, 2020. The filing deadline was July 14, 2020.

    Heading into the 2020 general election, there were 26 Democrats and 15 Republicans in the chamber. There was no change in the election.

    Delaware House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 3, 2020After November 4, 2020
        Democratic Party2626
        Republican Party1515
    Total4141

    2018

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2018

    Elections for theDelaware House of Representatives took place in 2018. Aclosed primary election took place on September 6, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The major party candidate filing deadline wasJuly 10, 2018.[5]

    In the 2018 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Delaware House of Representatives from 25-16 to 26-15.

    Delaware House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 6, 2018After November 7, 2018
        Democratic Party2526
        Republican Party1615
    Total4141

    2016

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2016

    Elections for theDelaware House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on September 13, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was July 12, 2016. All41 seats in theDelaware House of Representatives were up for election in 2016.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 25-15 majority with one vacancy. Republicans reclaimed a single seat left vacant prior to the election, giving Democrats a 25-16 majority.

    Delaware House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 7, 2016After November 8, 2016
        Democratic Party2525
        Republican Party1516
        Vacancy10
    Total4141
    Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

    2014

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2014

    Elections for theDelaware House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on September 9, 2014. The general election was held onNovember 4, 2014. Thesignature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was July 8, 2014. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2014.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 27-14 majority. Democrats lost two seats in the election, giving them a 25-16 majority.

    Delaware House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 3, 2014After November 4, 2014
        Democratic Party2725
        Republican Party1416
    Total4141

    2012

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2012

    Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on September 11, 2012, and the general election was held onNovember 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was July 10, 2012. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2012.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 26-15 majority. Democrats gained one seat in the election, giving them a 27-14 majority.

    Delaware House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 5, 2012After the 2012 Election
        Democratic Party2627
        Republican Party1514
    Total4141

    The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.

    2012 Margin of Victory, Delaware House of Representatives
    DistrictWinnerMargin of VictoryTotal VotesTop Opponent
    District 41Democratic PartyJohn Atkins0.8%8,773Richard Collins
    District 11Republican PartyJeffrey Spiegelman2.4%8,618Lynne Newlin
    District 10Democratic PartyDennis E. Williams4.2%10,657Robert Rhodunda
    District 20Republican PartyStephen Smyk6.4%12,158M. Marie Mayor
    District 33Republican PartyHarold Peterman6.8%9,032John Klevin Robbins
    District 29Democratic PartyWilliam C. Paradee III8.6%9,541Lincoln Willis
    District 37Republican PartyRuth Briggs King9.7%9,165Elizabeth McGinn
    District 23Democratic PartyPaul Baumbach14.5%8,329Mark Doughty
    District 34Republican PartyDonald Blakey16%10,022Theodore Yacucci
    District 38Republican PartyRonald Gray22.2%12,937Shirley Price

    2010

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2010

    Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on September 14, 2010, and the general election was held onNovember 2, 2010. Theprimary nomination process for candidates wishing to run in these elections was to gain the party's nomination at state conventions held by the state's two major political parties in May. Candidates wishing to run as independents could submit nominating signatures up through July 30. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2010.

    Heading into the election, Democrats held a 24-17 majority. Democrats gained two seats in the election, giving them a 26-15 majority.

    Delaware House of Representatives
    PartyAs of November 1, 2010After the 2010 Election
        Democratic Party2426
        Republican Party1715
    Total4141


    In 2010, the total amount of contributions raised in house campaigns was $2,583,173. The top 10 overall contributors were:[6]

    2010 Donors, Delaware House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Ellis, David E$83,043
    LaVelle, Gregory Francis$52,700
    King, Stanley & Ruth$30,000
    Manolakos, Nick T$25,665
    Delaware Racing Association$21,503
    Delaware Association of Realtors$20,731
    Kenton, Harvey & Jeanne$20,000
    Delaware Education Association$19,203
    Gallogly, Kay Wilde$17,920
    Delaware Citizens for Economic Development$14,700

    2008

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2008

    Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 9, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2008.

    During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $2,334,401. The top 10 contributors were:[7]

    2008 Donors, Delaware House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Atkins, John C$53,000
    Delaware Democratic Party$22,350
    Delaware Racing Association$22,075
    Czerwinski, John J$22,069
    Delaware State Dental Society$19,100
    Delaware Republican Party$18,800
    Delaware Association of Realtors$18,092
    Carpenters & Joiners Local 626$17,921
    Delaware Education Association$17,032
    Lavelle, Gregory Francis$16,050

    2006

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2006

    Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 12, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2006.

    During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $2,156,700. The top 10 contributors were:[8]

    2006 Donors, Delaware House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Korn, Richard$25,000
    Delaware Republican Party$22,773
    Lindarducci, Gary$21,415
    Delaware Racing Association$18,300
    Delaware Education Association$17,400
    Anheuser-Busch$17,300
    Sternberg, Richard J$17,000
    Delware Trial Lawyers Association$16,800
    Delaware Association of Realtors$16,500
    Manolakos, Nick$15,795

    2004

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2004

    Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 11, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2004.

    During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $2,020,644. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

    2004 Donors, Delaware House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Delaware Racing Association$22,500
    New Castle County Democratic Cmte$16,700
    Delaware Trial Lawyers Association$16,400
    Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 74$15,200
    Delaware Automobile & Truck Dealers Association$15,000
    First State Manufactured Housing Association$14,607
    Delaware Democratic Party$13,900
    Optometry Eye PAC$13,850
    Nonpartisan Citizens for Business Expansion$13,300
    Wal-Mart$12,750

    2002

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2002

    Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 7, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2002.

    During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $1,824,680. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

    2002 Donors, Delaware House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Meoli, Mike$25,000
    Meoli, Michael A$25,000
    Delaware Racing Association$21,725
    Mbna Corp$20,100
    First State Manufactured Housing Association$16,975
    Philip Morris$16,900
    Delaware Trial Lawyers Association$15,300
    Delaware Automobile & Truck Dealers Association$15,275
    Delaware Association of Realtors$14,475
    Nonpartisan Citizens for Business Expansion$13,860

    2000

    See also:Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2000

    Elections for the office of Delaware House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on September 9, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. All 41 House seats were up for election in 2000.

    During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $1,452,617. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

    2000 Donors, Delaware House of Representatives
    DonorAmount
    Delaware Racing Association$19,325
    Delaware Republican Party$18,479
    National Rifle Association$17,535
    Valihura Jr, Robert J$17,078
    Mbna Corp$16,600
    Nonpartisan Citizens for Business Expansion$15,800
    Medical Society of Delaware$14,775
    Delaware State Dental Society$13,900
    Cmte to Elect a Republican House of Delaware$13,200
    First State Manufactured Housing Association$12,971

    Vacancies

    See also:How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

    If there is a vacancy in theDelaware General Assembly, the presiding officer of the house in which the vacancy happens must call for a special election within 10 days of the creation of the vacancy. The election must be called for no less than 30 days but no more than 35 days after the writ for the special election has been issued. The governor may issue a writ if the legislature is not in session.[12]

    DocumentIcon.jpgSee sources:Delaware Code Ann. tit. 15, § 7101

    District map

    See also:Delaware state legislative districts

    The state of Delaware has 41 state House districts. Each district elects one representative.

    Use the interactive map below to find your district.



    Redistricting

    See also:Redistricting in Delaware

    Because Delaware has only one congressional district, congressional redistricting is not necessary. The state legislature draws state legislative district lines. Thegovernor may veto the lines drawn by the state legislature.[13][14]

    State law requires that state legislative districts be "insofar as possible, contiguous and bounded by roads, streams and other natural boundaries." Further, state law stipulates that district lines "may not be drawn to unduly favor any person or political party." Because these requirements are statutory, the legislature may amend them at its discretion.[13][14]

    2020

    See also:Redistricting in Delaware after the 2020 census

    On November 2, 2021, Gov.John Carney (D) signed Senate Bill 199 into law, enacting the state's new House and Senate district lines.[15] TheDelaware General Assembly previously approved the final House and Senate map proposals on November 1, 2021.[16] TheDelaware House of Representatives voted 40-1 in favor of the maps with state Rep.Michael Smith (R) voting against it. TheDelaware State Senate approved the maps along party lines with all 14 Democrats in favor and all seven Republicans against.[16] These maps took effect for Delaware's 2022 legislative elections.

    District map before and after 2020 redistricting

    Below is the state House map in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle.

    Delaware State House Districts
    until November 8, 2022

    Click a district to compare boundaries.

    Delaware State House Districts
    starting November 9, 2022

    Click a district to compare boundaries.


    2010

    See also:Redistricting in Delaware after the 2010 census

    Delaware received its 2010 census data on March 1, 2011. The state population increased by over 115,000 (nearly 15%) from 2000-2010, growing to over 900,000 residents.[17] According to the Delaware Population Consortium, there was a large shift to the southern part of the state, with Sussex County growing by 25% while New Castle County experienced 7% growth.[18]

    On May 17, 2011, the minority caucus ofRepublicans in theHouse released their proposal for the state's 41 districts. On May 19,House Democrats released their proposed redistricting map. A public hearing was held on May 26 at 7 p.m.[19] TheHouse passed its redistricting map on June 28, 2011, on a party-line vote.[20] The Senate map was approved on June 30, 2011, by a 15-6 vote. Two districts were merged in the northern part of the state in order to make room for a new southern district.[21][22]

    Sessions

    Legislation

    The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Delaware House of Representatives has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the House to the Senate and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated byBillTrack50.

    Dates of legislative sessions in Delaware by year

    2025

    See also:2025 Delaware legislative session andDates of 2025 state legislative sessions

    In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2025, and adjourn on June 30, 2025.


    Click [show] for past years' session dates.

    2024

    See also:2024 Delaware legislative session andDates of 2024 state legislative sessions

    In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2024, and adjourn on June 30, 2024.

    2023

    See also:2023 Delaware legislative session andDates of 2023 state legislative sessions

    In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 10, 2023, and adjourn on June 30, 2023.

    2022

    See also:2022 Delaware legislative session andDates of 2022 state legislative sessions

    In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2022, and adjourn on June 30, 2022.

    2021

    See also:2021 Delaware legislative session andDates of 2021 state legislative sessions

    In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 12, 2021, and adjourn on June 30, 2021.

    2020

    See also:2020 Delaware legislative session andDates of 2020 state legislative sessions

    In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2020, and adjourn on June 30, 2020.

    Effect of coronavirus pandemic
    See also:Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
    Covid vnt.png
    Coronavirus pandemic
    Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.


    Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. TheDelaware State Legislature suspended its session, effective March 18, 2020, through May 26, 2020. The suspension was initially scheduled to last through March 24, 2020. The legislature adjourned on June 30, 2020.[23][24][25]

    2019

    See also:2019 Delaware legislative session andDates of 2019 state legislative sessions

    In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2019, through June 30, 2019.

    2018

    See also:2018 Delaware legislative session andDates of 2018 state legislative sessions

    In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2018, through June 30, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, clickhere.

    2017

    See also:Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

    In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 10, 2017, through June 30, 2017. The legislature held a special session on July 2.

    • On the morning of July 3, 2017, Delaware Gov.John Carney (D) signed into law a budget passed by the Legislature on July 2, 2017. The state began the 2018 fiscal year without an annual budget in place and was one of six states Ballotpedia tracked in 2017 that were on the verge of a partial government shutdown or the implementation of spending cuts to nonessential government services. The Legislature passed a temporary funding package on July 1, 2017, in order to avoid a partial government shutdown. Delaware’s budget debate throughout the 2017 regular session centered largely on Democratic proposals to raise the personal income tax rate and Republican proposals to alter the state’s prevailing wage laws—neither of which ultimately made it into the final budget. Lawmakers agreed to a series of tax increases on real estate sales, alcohol, and cigarettes in order to address a projected $390 million shortfall.[26][27]

    2016

    See also:Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

    In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 12 through July 1.

    2015

    See also:Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

    In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 13 through June 30.

    Major issues in 2015

    Major issues in the 2015 legislative session included the annual budget, adding e-cigarettes to the Clean Indoor Air Act, and gun control.[28]

    2014

    See also:Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

    In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 14 through July 1.

    Major issues in 2014

    Major issues in the 2014 legislative session included raising the minimum wage, gun control, the 2015 budget, campaign finance, and the economy.[29]

    2013

    See also:Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

    In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 8 to July 1.

    Major issues in 2013

    Major issues in the 2013 legislative session included gun control, gay marriage, and budgetary problems.[30]

    2012

    See also:Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

    In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 10 through June 30.

    Major issues

    Legislators focused more on economic rather than social issues this session, including reforms to Medicaid and addressing the budget deficit.[31]

    2011

    See also:Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

    In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 11 through June 30.

    Session highlights
    State employee benefit cuts

    GovernorJack Markell's (D) plan to cut public employee pension and health benefits received overwhelming support from officials within his administration, legislators and even public employee union officials. Markell's proposal, which became law on May 2, 2011, requires new state employees to pay 5% of their salary after the first $6,000 towards their pension, rather than 3%. It also eliminates the use of overtime when calculating pensions and the "double state share" health care benefit. According to the governor's office, the plan would save Delaware taxpayers $130 million over the next five years and $480 million over the next fifteen.[32][33]

    2010

    See also:Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

    In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 12th to June 30th.


    About legislative sessions in Delaware

    TheTenth Amendment of theU.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[34] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions,legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

    Article II of the Delaware Constitution establishes when theDelaware General Assembly, of which the House is a part, is to be in session. Section 4 of Article II states that the General Assembly is to convene on the second Tuesday of January of each calendar year, and it is not to extend beyond 5:00 p.m. on the last day of June.[35]

    Section 4 also allows the General Assembly to be convened into special session by theGovernor of Delaware or by the mutual call of the presiding officers of both Houses.

    Legislative roles and procedures

    Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includesveto overrides,the role of the legislature in the state budget, andprocedures for filling membership vacancies.

    Veto overrides

    Veto Override Graphic-Democratic Party.png

    See also:Veto overrides in state legislatures

    State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Delaware are listed below.

    How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Three-fifths of members in both chambers.

    Three-fifths of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 25 of the 41 members in theDelaware House of Representatives and 13 of the 21 members in theDelaware State Senate. Delaware is one of seven states that requires a three-fifths vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

    How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

    Vetoes can be overridden when the next regular session convenes.[36]

    Authority:Article III, Section 18 of theDelaware Constitution.

    "Every bill which shall have passed both Houses of the General Assembly shall, before it becomes law, be presented to the Governor; if he or she approves, he or she shall sign it; but if he or she shall not approve, he or she shall return it with his or her objections to the House in which it shall have originated, which House shall enter the objections at large on the journal and proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration, three-fifths of all the members elected to that House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent together with the objections to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by three-fifths of all the members elected to that House, it shall become a law; but in neither House shall the vote be taken on the day on which the bill shall be returned to it."

    Role in state budget

    See also:Delaware state budget and finances
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    The state operates on an annual budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[37]

    1. InJuly, thegovernor sends budget instructions to state agencies.
    2. InOctober, agencies submit their budget requests to the governor.
    3. Budget hearings are held with the public inNovember.
    4. On or beforeFebruary 1, the governor submits his or her proposed budget to thestate legislature.
    5. The legislature must pass a budget with a simple majority byJune 30. The fiscal year begins on July 1.

    The governor is statutorily required to submit a balanced budget to the legislature. In turn, the legislature must pass a balanced budget, and any budget signed into law by the governor must be balanced.[37]

    Delaware is one of 44 states in which the governor hasline item veto authority.[37][38]

    Delaware maintains two major governmental funds: the General Fund and the Special Fund. Within the Special Fund, there are four category types: Appropriated Special Funds (ASF), Non-appropriated Special Funds (NSF), Federal Funds, and Bond Funds.[39]

    Committees

    See also:List of committees in Delaware state government

    Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

    • Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
    • Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
    • Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

    Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Delaware House of Representatives has 22 standing committees:


    Constitutional amendments

    In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process forreferring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states,initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are alsomany other types of statewide measures.

    The methods by which the Delaware Constitution can be amended:

    See also:Article XVI of theDelaware Constitution andLaws governing ballot measures in Delaware

    Article XVI of the Delaware Constitution defines two mechanisms by which the Delaware Constitution can be amended—a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. Delaware does not feature the power ofcitizen initiative for eitherinitiated constitutional amendments orinitiated state statutes.

    Legislature

    TheDelaware General Assembly can amend the constitution. Unlike in any other state, the state legislature can amend the constitution without a vote of the people. For the legislature to amend the constitution:

    • Two-thirds of all the members elected to each chamber can vote in favor of a proposed amendment.
    • TheDelaware Secretary of State then must publish the proposed amendment(s) three months prior to the next general election in at least three newspapers in each county.
    • The subsequent General Assembly then votes again on the proposed amendment(s) and if an amendment receives two-thirds majority approval of all members of each chamber, it becomes part of the constitution.

    Convention

    The state's constitution can also be amended through aconstitutional convention.

    • By a two-thirds vote of both chambers of the state legislature, the question, "Shall there be a Convention to revise the Constitution and amend the same?" can go on a statewide ballot. If a simple majority of those voting on the question vote "yes," then there will be a convention.


    See also

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    External links

    Footnotes

    1. Delaware General Assembly, "Glossary of Terms," accessed February 11. 2021
    2. National Conference of State Legislatures, "2025 Legislator Compensation," December 2, 2025
    3. Delaware Constitution, "Article II, Section 3," accessed January 23, 2024
    4. The Delaware Code Online, "Article II. Legislature - Section 3," accessed May 21, 2025
    5. State Election Commissioner, "2018 Delaware Election Calendar," accessed October 23, 2017
    6. Follow the Money: "Delaware House 2010 Campaign Contributions"
    7. Follow the Money, "Delaware 2008 Candidates," accessed July 8, 2013
    8. Follow the Money, "Delaware 2006 Candidates," accessed July 8, 2013
    9. Follow the Money, "Delaware 2004 Candidates," accessed July 8, 2013
    10. Follow the Money, "Delaware 2002 Candidates," accessed July 8, 2013
    11. Follow the Money, "Delaware 2000 Candidates," accessed July 8, 2013
    12. Delaware Legislature, "Delaware Election Code," accessed May 22, 2014(Statutes § 7101 and § 7104, Delaware Code)
    13. 13.013.1All About Redistricting, "Delaware," accessed April 22, 2015
    14. 14.014.1Delaware Code, "Title 29, Chapter 8," accessed April 22, 2015
    15. Delaware General Assembly, "Senate Bill 199," accessed Nov. 15, 2021
    16. 16.016.1WGMD, "Redistricting Legislation Passes in Delaware – Waiting for Governor’s Signature," Nov. 1, 2021
    17. Delaware Online, "Delaware grows 15 percent, tops 900,000," December 22, 2010
    18. Sussex Countian, "Redistricting looms in 2011 General Assembly session," January 12, 2011
    19. Newsworks, "House Democrats release Delaware redistricting plan," May 19, 2011
    20. Dover Post, "UPDATE: House passes redistricting legislation, Senate vote up next," June 29, 2011
    21. The Republic, "Delaware lawmakers approve legislative redistricting plan for state House, Senate," June 30, 2011
    22. Delaware Online, "General Assembly's pace picks up in late-night flurry," July 1, 2011
    23. WHYY, "Delaware Gov. Carney declares state of emergency, puts National Guard on alert," March 12, 2020
    24. Delaware General Assembly, "Home," accessed March 20, 2020
    25. Delaware General Assembly, "Home," accessed May 26, 2020
    26. Delaware State News, "It’s official: Carney signs $4.11 billion budget," July 3, 2017
    27. Delaware State News, "Legislature compromises, passes budget," July 3, 2017
    28. WDEL, "Delaware's finances likely to be a major focus at Leg Hall in 2015," January 23, 2015
    29. delaware.newszap.com, "Delaware lawmakers to revisit guns, minimum wage," accessed January 15, 2014
    30. Beaumont Enterprise, "Budget, guns among issues facing Del. lawmakers," January 8, 2013
    31. Delaware First Media, "Legislators begin to form 2012 agenda," January 8, 2012
    32. Office of the Governor of Delaware, "Markell Thanks Legislature for Overwhelming Votes of Support for Employee Pension and Healthcare Reform – Changes Will Save Taxpayers over $480M over 15 years," April 14, 2011
    33. Stateline, "States overhaul pensions but pass on 401(k)-style plans," June 21, 2011
    34. Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
    35. The Delaware Code Online, "Article Ii. Legislature - § 4. Time and frequency of sessions," accessed September 18, 2023
    36. Delaware State News, "Delaware legislators to attempt override of opt-out veto," January 13, 2016
    37. 37.037.137.2National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
    38. National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
    39. State of Delaware Office of Management and Budget, "Budget and Accounting Policy Manual: Chapter 3 - Delaware's Accounting Framework," accessed January 14, 2021
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