A high-ranking University of Delaware public relations official is looking to unseat a longstanding Democratic state senator this fall.
31-year-old Meredith Chapman has spent her entire career in news, public relations and politics, most recently as UD's director of digital communications.
Chapman, a Republican, previously worked for former Congressman Mike Castle and served as former state Treasurer Chip Flowers’ campaign manager.
She currently teaches social media and marketing classes at UD on top of her other public relations duties for the school.
In a Facebook Live streaming video announcing her candidacy, Chapman says it’s a critical time for Delaware in terms of transforming its economy, educating our children and properly budgeting taxpayer money.
“I’m constantly talking to my neighbors, family, friends, business owners and they’re sharing with me their concerns that we need someone who will be our champion for change in Dover,” she said.
Chapman faces Democrat Dave Sokola, who has served in the state senate since 1990 and chairs the Bond Bill and senate education committees.
Sokola has typically fended off challengers from the right by a few thousand votes over the years, with the closest contests coming in his first election in 1990 and a 2002 challenge by now state Rep. Mike Ramone (R-Pike Creek Valley).
The most recent district registration totals give Democrats about a 2,000 vote lead, though there are plenty of unaffiliated or third party voters to make up the difference should they back Chapman.
Growing up in Beech Hill, she earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from University of Delaware. She's also married to Newark City Councilman Luke Chapman.