Leadership selected for Delaware House

Delaware Democrats in the House of Representatives captured an extra seat this past election, bringing the caucus to 27 seats, one short of a super majority.

The caucus selected its leadership recently, choosing Rep. Melissa Minor Brown, D-New Castle, to become speaker-elect, following Valerie Longhurst, who was voted out of office in the primary. First elected in 2018, Minor-Brown previously served as House majority whip from 2022 to 2023 and as House majority leader in 2023.

“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 Minor-Brown in a press release.

The full House of Representatives will formally elect the speaker on the first day of session Jan. 14, 2025 – the same day all state representatives will take their oaths of office. Delaware has no lame duck period, and state lawmakers elected on Election Day immediately begin representing their constituents. 

The caucus also selected Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris, D-Dover, as House majority leader, the first member of the LGBTQ+ community to serve in that role.

First elected in 2022, Harris previously served as House majority whip from 2023 to 2024.

“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,” Harris said in a statement.

Rep. Ed Osienski, D-Newark, was selected as House majority whip.

First elected in 2010, Osienski has served as chair of the Labor Committee, vice chair of the Transportation Committee and vice chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.

“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,” Osienski said in a statement.

Following Election Day, six new members joined the Democratic caucus, bringing the number of women in the caucus to a record-setting 17 of 27 members. The caucus also has 14 people of color, 10 of whom are women. The six new members of the House Democratic Caucus are Rep. Josue Ortega, Third 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.

“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,” Minor-Brown said.

Republican caucus 

The Republican caucus made some changes to its leadership, selecting Rep. Tim Dukes of Laurel to the position of House minority leader, a role previously held by Rep. Danny Short of Seaford, who had served in that capacity since 2012.

Dukes, 60, was first elected to represent the citizens of the 40th District in 2012. The district includes the municipalities of Laurel, Delmar and Bethel. He previously served as House minority whip in the 150th and 151st General Assemblies. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Valley Forge and is a pastor at Central Worship Center.

Rep. Jeff Spiegelman of Clayton was chosen as House minority whip. Spiegelman, 41, was also first elected in 2012. He represents the 11th District, which includes portions of Clayton, Smyrna, Kenton and Middletown. Unlike Dukes, he has not previously held a House leadership post. Spiegelman earned a bachelor's degree from Ithaca College and holds a master's degree from Norwich University. He works as a commercial Realtor and a college instructor.

The two will lead a caucus of 14 members, one fewer than the previous General Assembly.