DOVER – In response to the news of former Senate President Pro Tempore Patricia “Patti” Blevins’ passing, Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown, House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris, and House Majority Whip Ed Osienski issued the following statement:
“Today we mourn the passing of former Delaware Senate President Pro Tempore Patricia “Patti” Blevins.
“Senator Blevins was a trailblazer. She began her tenure with the General Assembly in 1990, and served for 26 years, including 4 years as Senate President Pro Tempore. She was the second woman in our state to hold that position.
“But that wasn’t the only way she helped to shape our state’s history. In 1993, she helped to create the Delaware Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, which closed significant gaps in the state’s response to domestic violence.
“In 1994, she sponsored the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act, which was the first legislation in Delaware to require all children to have a blood lead test at or around the age of 12 months. In the same decade, she aided in the creation of the Office of the Child Advocate.
“By the time she left office in 2017, Sen. Blevins’ tireless efforts in building upon and improving her legislative work created such a strong foundation to support Delaware’s continued efforts in protecting victims of domestic violence and abuse, honoring marriage and gender equality, fighting cancer, and much, much more.
“In 2026, we are living in a much more progressive world, yet it is still a battle to pass legislation supporting the same causes that Senator Blevins fought for in her tenure. To have made such significant legislative advancements, nearly 40 years ago as a woman operating in a male-dominated space, is remarkable.
“We in House Leadership have the utmost respect, admiration, and gratitude for her and her work. Delaware is a safer, healthier, and happier state because of Senator Patti Blevins.
“We are holding her family and loved ones in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
