DOVER – On Thursday, Rep. Debra Heffernan announced that she will retire from the House of Representatives at the end of her term this fall. First elected in 2010, Rep. Heffernan represents the 6th Representative District.
Below is a statement from Rep. Heffernan on her electoral future:
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as an elected official for the past 21 years, beginning in 2005 with five years on the Brandywine School Board, including time as Board President, and for the last 16 years as State Representative for the 6th District.
“However, I feel I’m ready to retire at the end of this term and see all the great things our next generation of leaders will accomplish.
“During my time in office, I have been incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made to improve the lives of Delawareans. From creating new supports for individuals with disabilities through initiatives like Employment First, to protecting reproductive freedom, to strengthening juvenile justice reform, we have come a long way. I’m also proud of our work to establish paid parental leave for state employees, including becoming the first state to extend those benefits to teachers, as well as advancing marriage equality and passing comprehensive climate legislation to protect future generations.
“It’s also been wonderful to serve as Kids Caucus chair for 14 years and see it grow and be influential in policy affecting Delaware kids.
“I want to thank my Democratic Caucus Leadership and our incredible staff.
“I also want to thank all my friends in the Republican Caucus for working collaboratively with me on Bond Projects to improve our state.
“Public service has always been about helping people, solving problems, and, yes, finding joy in the work along the way. I could not have done any of this without the support of my family: my husband Pat, my children Margaret, Charlotte, and Jake, my sister Erica, as well as the many friends and constituents who have encouraged me throughout this journey.
“Thank you for the trust you have placed in me. It has been a true privilege to serve.”
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