State Sen. Bryan Townsend (D-Newark) and Rep. Bryon Short (D-Brandywine Hundred) are making their political intentions known early as the 2016 general election draws closer.
Townsend says a run for Congress is something that appeals to him.
“If there’s a vacancy, I’m strongly considering seeking the office,” said Townsend Tuesday at Legislative Hall.
Delaware's lone Congressional Representative seat is currently held by John Carney (D). Carney has run for governor before, losing to current Gov. Jack Markell in the 2008 Democratic primary.
In a January interview with KJWP, he said, "I'd be much more interested if Beau Biden decides not to run."
Short says he's considered the move with his wife for the past few months, noting, "If John does decide to run for governor, we're very strongly considering running for the Congressional seat."
Biden had been the only declared Democratic candidate for governor. After his death in May, the Democratic primary situation is now uncertain.
In a statement, Carney said, "Until the day he passed away, I hoped and expected that Beau would run for governor. I've spent the time since then grieving the loss of my friend. There's a time and place for politics, and this isn't it."
Other potential contenders have included New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon and Attorney General Matt Denn.
Townsend works as a corporate lawyer for Wilmington law Morris James. He was first elected to the Delaware state Senate in 2012 after upsetting then Senate President Pro Tempore Tony DeLuca in a primary.
Short cut his political teeth as an aide for Sen. Tom Carper in the 1990s. He worked in Carper's gubernatorial administration before later starting his own property management business.
Short later won a special election in 2007 after House Majority Leader Wayne Smith stepped down to work as a lobbyist for state hospitals as head of the Delaware Healthcare Association.
Hans Reigle, former mayor of Wyoming and Kent County Republican chairman, is the lone Republican seeking the Congressional seat.