The Daily Populous Monday February 17th, 2025 night edition
Authored by delawareonline.com and submitted by Rock-n-roll-Kevin

Democrats win Delaware Senate seats in Saturday's special elections

Show Caption Hide Caption New Wilmington Mayor John Carney: 'We need to grow, get better' The News Journal recently sat down and interviewed new Wilmington Mayor John Carney to discuss what his administration is prioritizing. 2/5/25

Democrats swept Delaware's special Senate elections Saturday, with Dan Cruce winning a landslide victory in District 1 and Ray Seigfried claiming the District 5 seat in races to replace two recently departed state senators.

The special election, held on Saturday, Feb. 15, to fill seats vacated by U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride and Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay, drew voters to the polls in both District 1 and District 5.

Cruce, the chief operating officer of United Way of Delaware, brings extensive experience in public policy and education to his new role representing Claymont. During his campaign, Cruce pledged to direct his attention on "the economy, education and engagement," including pushing for universal pre-K education.

Cruce competed with other political newcomers Republican Steven Washington, a former teacher in the Brandywine School District and former Wilmington Housing Authority commissioner, and non-partisan Riley Figliola. Washington emphasized education, while Figliola's platform prioritized enriching social programs, meeting community needs and ensuring businesses prioritized Delawareans’ best interests.

These are Senate District 1 unofficial results, according to the Delaware Department of Elections:

(D) - 3,654 votes Steven Washington (R) - 990 votes

(R) - 990 votes Riley "Liv" Figliola (NP) - 88 votes

(NP) - 88 votes Write-in Totals - 10 votes

In District 5, Ray Seigfried emerged victorious, drawing on his experience in state politics and health care. The former senior vice president of Christiana Care and one-term state representative campaigned on promises to enhance early childhood education and school funding, while also providing further support to small businesses and increasing "truth and transparency" across the state.

Republican Brent Burdge, a former DuPont supply chain manager, campaigned on improving public safety, promoting tax relief and job growth, supporting teachers and students, and bringing more local focus to Delaware’s needs.

Delaware Department of Elections posted these unofficial District 5 results:

(D) - 3,780 votes Brent Burdge (R) - 2,015 votes

(R) - 2,015 votes Write-in Totals - 16 votes

You can contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.

Kerfits on February 16th, 2025 at 19:48 UTC »

Delaware is particularly important because most US companies are registered there and follow Delaware law.

80% of all puclicly traded companies and about 66% of Fortune 500 companies were registered there. They can set up their HQ in another state but they follow delaware law.

https://corp.delaware.gov/stats/

TedriccoJones on February 16th, 2025 at 18:59 UTC »

Were those seats already held by Democrats?

Rock-n-roll-Kevin on February 16th, 2025 at 17:45 UTC »

Democrats Dan Cruce and Ray Seigfried won their elections to the Delaware State Senate in two special elections on Saturday.

These were the State Senate seats vacated by US Rep Sarah McBride and Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay.

Democrats keep their solid majority of 15-6 in the chamber.

Both the Democrat candidates over-performed compared to November.

Democrat candidates have outperformed November's results in all special elections that have occurred so far in 2025 by an average of 10%