DOVER – On Tuesday, Representative Melissa Minor-Brown was officially elected as Speaker of
the House for the 153rd General Assembly, becoming the first Black Speaker of the House in the
State of Delaware’s history.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to take the helm as Speaker of the House to help lead what I believe is
one of the most promising General Assemblies in our state’s history. Looking out at my peers, I see
our state reflected not only in their appearances, but their ideals and lived experiences,” said Rep.
Melissa Minor-Brown.
“We are living in a turbulent time, Delawareans up and down the state are struggling to keep their
heads above water. As Speaker I vow to do everything in my power to push forward and support
policies that will help ensure that every Delawarean is able to not just survive, but thrive.”
A registered nurse, Speaker Minor-Brown was first elected to the Delaware House of Representatives
in 2018. In 2022, she was elected by her peers to serve as House Majority Whip. In 2023, she served
as House Majority Leader following former Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf’s retirement as Speaker of the
House.
Six new members were also sworn in to the Delaware House of Representatives Tuesday, including
Rep. Josué Ortega (3rd District), Rep. Melanie Ross Levin (10th District), Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall
(14th District), Rep. Kamala Smith (15th District), Rep. Frank Burns (21st District), and Rep. Mara
Gorman (23rd District).
Speaker Minor-Brown now leads Delaware’s most diverse legislative chamber in the history of the
state.
There are now 17 women and 14 people of color serving in the 27-person Democratic Caucus.
