election 2026

Delaware lawmakers advance some efforts that proponents say will improve voting access and equality, while others fail to move forward. Here's a breakdown of bills that did and didn't make it through before session ended on June 30.

With less than a week left in the 153rd legislative session, Delaware's Senate and House sent multiple bills on to Governor Matt Meyer's desk for signature related to electric vehicles, voting protections, "captive audience" meetings, harm reduction, and housing affordability.

Congresswoman Sarah McBride is officially running for reelection.

In the wake of high-profile attacks and security incidents on public servants, Delaware’s House chamber advanced a bill this week, which would allow lawmakers to spend campaign money on security.

Sen. Chris Coons announces his reelection bid.

Delaware joins a movement to implement state-level voting rights protections. Voting rights advocates, Delaware residents, and lawmakers rallied at the statehouse to support the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act’s introduction on Friday.

Another Republican State Representative announces he will not seek re-election in November.

Rep. Jeff Hilovsky does not plan to run for reelection, joining a growing number of state legislators retiring this year.

Several fixtures in Delaware state politics have announced they won’t seek reelection this year, some after decades in their seat. Their decisions to step aside leave room for new faces and the possibility a seat could flip to the other party.Incumbents opting to leave has become a bit of a trend in the First State. In both 2022 and 2024, multiple incumbents didn’t pursue their seats in the General Assembly again.This week, Delaware Public Media political reporter Bente Bouthier dove into this trend and implications of this round of retirements with University of Delaware professor Paul Brewer - who specializes in political communication and public opinion.

Williams said her bill, HB 216 will take aim at this, requiring increased disclosure from third party ads and out of state election contributors.