Who's on the ballot? Meet the special election candidates running for Parker Selby's seat
Following Stell Parker Selby's resignation in June, a special election was called to find a candidate to fill the remainder of the term for the Milton- and Lewes-area district.
Sussex County political parties have named nominees for the upcoming race.
Democrat: Delaware Center for Justice Executive Director Alonna Berry
Republican: longtime educator and community leader Nikki Miller
Here's what you need to know about the candidates for the Representative House District 20 seat.
How we got here: Special election for Rep. Parker Selby's seat is set. Who's on the ballot and what's next?
Alonna Berry, Democrat
Alonna Berry isn't running to just to sit in a seat; she's running because she is 'ready to show up' for her district.
A self-described 'multi-generational Sussex Countian,' Berry is running to 'fight for the heart of Sussex' but also out of a love for her community and a desire to help make it better for her children and her children's children.
'This is about more than just me,' she said. 'It's also about legacy, my family and my lineage.'
Among her key priorities, Berry supports achieving high-quality education, workforce development, support for local businesses and broadening access to restorative justice and related alternative programming.
She is also focused on bracing for statewide federal budget cuts and working alongside legislators on both sides of the political aisle to ensure community protection.
More: Delaware House Rep. Stell Parker Selby submits letter of resignation, citing health reasons
She also has a slew of government and related experience under her belt, having served as a senior policy adviser for health, equity and education under former Gov. John Carney and as Delaware's 'first statewide trauma-informed care coordinator.'
Berry said she has the 'depth and breadth of experience' and knowledge to prepare her for her next chapter in public service.
And should she be elected, Berry said she will be here 'for the long haul.'
'I know that our voters – particularly in this district – may have some frustration, maybe feeling like they didn't have a voice this last legislative session,' Berry said. 'And I'm running to both listen, to be the ear on the ground in this community and then be able to take what I'm hearing back to Dover.'
Nikki Miller, Republican
For Nikki Miller, this moment has been a long time coming.
Having worked in the field of education for over two decades – including having previously served as principal of Cape Henlopen High School and the current supervisor of instruction at the Seaford School District – and a familiar face in her surrounding community, Miller was approached with the prospect of running for office before, but didn't feel the timing was quite right.
Miller eventually faced Parker Selby last November, with the former Representative squeaking out a narrow win by a few hundred votes, and had plans to run again in 2026.
But when life suddenly changed course with the announcement of a special election, Miller said 'there was no question' – she was ready.
'If I was going to run for 2026, why would I not run for the special [election]?' she said.
Miller's campaign platform focuses on 'what matters most to our families,' including quality education, public safety and affordable housing.
She has also prioritized protecting farmland and open spaces, improving traffic, 'proactive constituent service' and 'common sense solutions to everyday issues.'
If elected, Miller feels her leadership experience and skills have more than prepared her to serve in this new role and wants, and is determined to leave, 'a bigger impact.'
'I love where I live, and I want to be able to support the people,' Miller said.
When does the special election take place?
The special election will take place on Aug. 5, according to the Delaware Department of Elections.
Early voting will take place on the following dates:
July 24-26 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
July 28-29 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
July 30 to Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be no early voting on July 27.
Early voters can cast their ballots at Mariner Middle School in Milton.
Whoever wins the special election will serve the district for the remainder of Parker Selby's term, which is set to expire in November 2026.
Additional information can be found on the department's website.
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Meet the candidates running for former Delaware representative's seat
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