Democrats and Republicans in Delaware’s General Assembly are starting to settle on their leadership for the upcoming session.
Senate Democrats have selected State Sen. David Sokola (D-Newark) to serve as President Pro Temp. He replaces David McBride who lost his Senate seat in the September Democratic Primary to Marie Pickney, who won her general election race Tuesday.
"Delaware voters spoke this week in a clear voice that demanded change,” said Sokola in a statement. “The size and record-setting diversity of our Caucus reflects the values of our communities and their growing demand for racial justice, higher wages, better schools for our children, common-sense gun reforms and greater access to affordable health care. They also want legislators who will work to protect the public’s health and get our state back to work."
State Sen. Bryan Townsend (D-Newark) replaces Nicole Poore (D-New Castle) as Senate Majority Leader and State Sen. Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman (D-Wilmington) will be Senate Majority Whip.
On the Republican side of the Senate, State Sen. Gerald Hocker (R-Ocean View) remains the Minority Leader. State Sen. Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown) is the new Minority Whip, replacing Cathy Cloutier, who lost her reelection bid to Democrat Kyle Evans Gay Tuesday.
The Cloutier seat in Brandywine Hundred was one of two Senate Democrats flipped Tuesday, giving them a 14-7 super majority when the legislature comes back in session this January.
House Democrats are retaining their leadership team. State Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf (D-Rehoboth) continues as House Speaker with State Rep. Valerie Longhurst (D-Bear) as House Majority Leader and State Rep. Larry Mitchell (D-Elsmere) as House Majority Whip.
Schwartkopf has been House Speaker since 2012.
House Republicans are also keeping their leadership intact. State Rep. Danny Short remains the House Minority leader and State Rep, Tim Dukes is Minority Whip again.
Short has been Minority Leader since 2012.
This story has been updated.
