DOVER – After a historic election that saw the House of Representatives become the most diverse in its history, the House Democratic Caucus met Saturday to elect its leadership for the 152nd General Assembly.
Five new members joined the Democratic Caucus after Election Day, boosting the number of women in the caucus to a record-setting 15 of 26 members, the first time a majority of the caucus are women. The caucus also consists of 13 persons of color, also a record, 10 of whom are women.
During Saturday’s reorganizational meeting, members selected Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf as speaker-elect, Rep. Valerie Longhurst as Majority Leader, and Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown as Majority Whip. This is the first time the caucus has elected two women in leadership, and the first time a person of color has been elected to a leadership position.
“I’m very grateful to have the support of our caucus to lead the House for the upcoming legislative session,” said Rep. Schwartzkopf, who has served as House speaker since 2012. “I’m proud of the record of accomplishment of our caucus, the House and the General Assembly as a whole during the past several years. I’m also proud to see our caucus grow in diversity by leaps and bounds, better reflecting the residents of Delaware we represent. This allows different perspectives to shape the legislative process, which ultimately leads to better policy and better outcomes for Delaware.”
First elected in 2002, Rep. Schwartzkopf previously served as majority leader from 2008-2012.
The speaker is elected by the full House of Representatives, which will take place on the first day of session on January 10, 2023.
First elected in 2004, Rep. Longhurst previous served as majority whip from 2008-2012 and has served as majority leader since 2012.
“I’m humbled and honored to receive the support of our caucus to continue as our majority leader. I truly love working with our members to help them be effective voices for their constituents and leaders in our state,” said Rep. Longhurst, D-Bear. “It’s especially an honor to be elected at a time when we have elected more women in this caucus than at any other time in our history and to lead an increasingly diverse Legislature. I am looking forward to continuing the great work we already have accomplished for the people of Delaware.”
First elected in 2018, Rep. Minor-Brown has most recently served as chair of the House Corrections Committee and vice-chair of the House Health & Natural Resources Committee.
“I’m honored that my caucus put their trust in me to serve as the first Black member of our leadership team, and to be a part of the first team that includes two women. We have an amazing, talented group of representatives in our caucus, and I can’t wait to hit the ground running,” said Rep. Minor-Brown, D-New Castle South. “I’m excited to be a model and a voice for young Black girls out there and inspire them to claim their seat at the table. They are all powerful beyond measure.”
Also on Saturday, the House Democratic Caucus welcomed its five new members to the legislature: Rep. DeShanna Neal (13th District), Rep. Sophie Phillips (18th District), Rep. Stell Parker Selby (20th District), Rep. Cyndie Romer (25th District), and Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris (32nd District).
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