State Senator Brian Bushweller is retiring after the end of his current term next year, saying he wants to spend more time with his family.
Bushweller was first elected in 2008 and reelected in 2012 and 2014.
The Dover Democrat said he’s confident his seat will stay in his party’s control after he departs, pointing to a decisive registration advantage in the 17th District. Democrats currently have a slim one-seat majority in the Senate.
“We have a lot of really good people like on the bench or in the wings and I could name you any number of people who I could enthusiastically support and endorse,” he said.
Bushweller is currently the chairman of the Senate Banking, Business and Insurance Committee. He lists achievements he’s proud of such as his work to create scholarships at Delaware State University and secure funding for the new DE Turf Sports Complex in Frederica.
“There are already a ton of parents and kids coming to Kent County to play in sports tournaments at DE Turf and it’s only going to get better from here,” he said.
But Bushweller notes he’s disappointed lawmakers haven’t done more to support the ailing casino industry in the state - including Dover Downs.
He said the casinos are major employers in Kent County and he worries those jobs will disappear if the casinos continue to struggle.
