Democrats in Delaware are mourning the death of a revered long-time activist.
Sonia “Sonny” Sloan has died at the age of 91.
Sloan was a prominent Democratic activist for decades. She was honored in March at the First State Democratic Dinner.
In her acceptance speech at that dinner, Sloan reflected on her 70 years in Democratic politics and spoke about her support of former Vice President Joe Biden. Biden had not yet publicly announced the launch of his presidential campaign at the time.
“I’ve worked on every one of Joe’s campaigns and I told him a few weeks ago, I have one campaign left in me for him," she said at the First State Democratic Dinner. "So pay attention.”
In a statement, Biden said Sonny fought hard for her community and people she believed in, calling her a “firecracker, hummingbird and the kind of person you don’t say no to.”
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Delaware), who introduced her at the First State Democratic Dinner, called her a “consummate counselor, fundraiser and adviser.”
Delaware Democratic Party Chairman Erik Raser-Schramm released a statement remembering Sloan as a force of nature and transformational icon.
"She touched the lives of everyone she met, all while improving the lives of many Delawareans who never had that privilege," he said. "Her work as an organizer, advocate, and philanthropist spanned a lifetime of selflessness, but its impact will be felt for generations."
Sloan was an advocate for Planned Parenthood in Delaware, the ACLU and the YWCA. She also opposed the Vietnam War.
She leaves behind her husband Gil, two sons, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
