Senate Democrats keep leadership team

Democratic leadership in the Delaware Senate will stay the same for the upcoming 153rd General Assembly.

Following an election by the Senate Majority Caucus, Sen. Dave Sokola, D-Newark, will remain president pro tempore; Sen. Bryan Townsend, D-Newark, will remain Senate majority leader; and Sen. Elizabeth Lockman, D-Wilmington, will remain Senate majority whip.

“Our caucus is made up of 15 dynamic members that bring a unique and valued perspective to our Legislature – yet we are united in our passion to make Delaware a better state for all families,” Sokola said in a prepared statement.

Sokola has served as Senate president pro tempore since January 2021.

“I thank my colleagues for allowing me the privilege to continue serving as the leader of the Senate, and look forward to us taking up a bold legislative agenda during the 153rd General Assembly,” he said.  

A formal leadership election for the Senate president pro tempore will take place among the full Senate when it reconvenes for an extraordinary session Monday, Dec. 16. 

Townsend touted the success of Democrat leadership in raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour, implementing paid family and medical leave, creating a framework for the sale of recreational marijuana, and curbing gun violence. 

“In recent years, we have made significant progress when it comes to making our neighborhoods safer, our schools stronger, our justice system fairer, our healthcare more affordable, our child care and senior care more accessible, and our environment more sustainable,” he said. 

When the session reconvenes in January, Lockman said Democrats will look to address the lack of affordable housing, rising healthcare costs, and child care costs.

“It’s difficult for everyone – working parents, seniors on fixed incomes, and everyone in between – to make ends meet,” Lockman said. “Together, we will continue to get things done for the people of Delaware.”