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State Rep. Quinn Johnson won't seek another term in General Assembly

Joe Irizarry
/
Delaware Public Media

The budget-writing Joint Finance Committee will see completely new leadership next year.

 

Both co-chairs are leaving the state legislature at the end of session.

In an emotional speech Monday, JFC’s House co-chair State Rep. Quinn Johnson announced he is not seeking re-election this year.

The Middletown Democrat says he wants to focus on his family after over a decade in the General Assembly.

“And I will finish out my term at 12 years in the House of Representatives completely humbled and appreciative of what the citizens of the 8th District have empowered me to be. But as everyone will know, it’s time for me to give that time back to my family that they have sacrificed over the last 12 years.”

State Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker (D-Wilmington) talked about how she chose to sit next to Johnson on her first day, not realizing the impact he would have on her -especially during the current session altered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

Credit Delaaware General Assembly
State Rep. Quinn Johnson

 “I didn’t have the same level of angst that some others may have had because Rep. Quinn Johnson is my mentor. He took the time to explain the legislative process in Dover and took the time to explain the budget and for that I shall be eternally grateful.”

The House Democratic Caucus also released a joint statement from leadership on Johnson's exit.

“Quinn Johnson has been a rock in our caucus for the past 12 years. Whether it was chairing the Bond Bill Committee and Joint Finance Committee, advocating for the disability community or standing up for issues that affect his district, Rep. Johnson's has brought a quiet, strong presence to the General Assembly.”

Johnson said he’ll still stay active and continue to fight and advocate for issues he’s passionate about.

Senate JFC co-chair State Sen. Harris McDowell (D-Wilmington North) announced last year that this would be his final year serving in the General Assembly.

Johnson’s announcement Monday came after House lawmakers approved the Bond and Grant-in-Aid bills - the final budget bills for next fiscal year.

 

Roman Battaglia is a corps member withReport for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms.

Roman Battaglia grew up in Portland, Ore, and now reports for Delaware Public Media as a Report For America corps member. He focuses on politics, elections and legislation activity at the local, county and state levels.
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