Delaware voters still have nearly two months before they pick their respective nominees for president and much longer until they can choose between local and statewide elected officials.
But new candidates and incumbents alike are beginning to register with the state elections office, kicking off campaign season as spring is on the horizon.
Incumbent Democrat Representatives Sean Lynn and Trey Paradee from the Dover area are among the most recent seeking re-election. It’d be Lynn’s second term and Paradee’s third if both men win again.
Statewide, primary challengers are also beginning to crop up.
Most significantly, House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf (D-Rehoboth Beach) has his first primary challenger in his 14-year career in the form of self-described progressive Don Peterson.
Peterson says that Schwartzkopf – a retired Delaware State Police captain – doesn’t reflect the new, progressive population that lives at the beach area and says he’ll champion progressive social issues.
Three Democrats – David Brady, Robert Cameron and Joseph Daigle – are scrambling to take over Rep. Bryon Short’s seat in Brandywine Hundred as he mounts his own U.S. Congressional campaign amid a crowded field.
And Morgan Hudson and Charles Postles are seeking the Republican nomination to replace Rep. Jack Peterman in the Milford area, who missed much of last session due to health problems. Peterman himself has not filed for reelection, but easily fended off a 2014 challenge from Postles.
Delaware’s statewide primary is Sept. 13.