DOVER – After a historic election that saw the House of Representatives become the most diverse in its history, the House Democratic Caucus met Friday to elect its leadership for the 153nd General Assembly.
During Friday’s reorganizational meeting, members selected Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown as speaker-elect, Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris as House Majority Leader, and Rep. Ed Osienski as House Majority Whip.
Rep. Minor Brown is the first Black speaker-elect and Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris is the first member of the LGBTQ+ community to serve as House Majority Leader.
“I’m honored that our caucus put their trust in me to serve as the first Black female speaker. The historical significance of this moment is not lost on me, especially at a time when we have more women and people of color in our caucus than ever before, reflecting the growing diversity of our legislature and our state,” said Rep. Minor-Brown.
“With Donald Trump returning to the presidency, our work as a caucus is more urgent than ever before. I’m ready to hit the ground running and push forward with policies that protect our most vulnerable, uphold our shared values, and strengthen the rights of all our communities. Together, with sincerity and intent to act, we can forge a better tomorrow for all Delawareans.”
First elected in 2018, Rep. Minor-Brown previously served as House Majority Whip from 2022-2023 and as House Majority Leader since 2023.
The speaker is elected by the full House of Representatives, which will take place on the first day of session on January 14, 2025.
First elected in 2022, Rep. Harris previously served as House Majority Whip from 2023-2024.
“I’m very grateful to have the support of our caucus to serve as House Majority Leader for the upcoming legislative session,” said Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris.
“I’m proud of what our caucus, the House, and the General Assembly have accomplished together over the past few years. Now, we have a responsibility to safeguard that progress and continue forging a future that upholds the rights, dignity, and well-being of every person in our state. Our work is far from over, and I am committed to advancing the policies and values that matter most to the people we serve.”
First elected in 2010, Rep. Osienski has most recently served as Chair of the Labor Committee, Vice-Chair of the Transportation, and Vice-Chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.
“I am humbled to have been chosen by our caucus to serve as House Majority Whip, and honored to be a part of a leadership team alongside two individuals with whom I hold in the highest regard,” said Rep. Ed Osienski.
“I’m looking forward to working with the caucus to continue passing legislation that makes life better for all Delawareans. From strengthening labor protections and improving our economy to creating more opportunities for families and workers, we have an incredible opportunity to drive meaningful progress. I am committed to ensuring that the bills we pass in the 153rd General Assembly reflect the growing and changing needs of our state.”
Six new members joined the Democratic Caucus after Election Day, boosting the number of women in the caucus to a record-setting 17 of 27 members. The caucus also consists of 14 people of color, 10 of whom are women. The six new members the House Democratic Caucus welcomed to the legislature are: Josue Ortega (3rd District), Rep. Melanie Ross Levin (10th District), Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall (14th District), Kamala Smith (15th District), Rep. Frank Burns (21st District), and Rep. Mara Gorman (23rd District).
