Democrats win Delaware senate seats after Saturday's special elections
Democrats swept Delaware's special Senate elections Saturday, with Dan Cruce winning a landslide victory in District 1 and Ray Seigfried claiming the District 5 seat in races to replace two recently departed state senators.
The special election, held on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 to fill seats vacated by U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride and Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay, drew voters to the polls in both District 1 and District 5.
Cruce, the chief operating officer of United Way of Delaware, brings extensive experience in public policy and education to his new role representing Claymont. During his campaign, Cruce pledged to direct his attention on "the economy, education and engagement," including pushing for universal pre-K education.
Cruce competed with other political newcomers Republican Steven Washington, a former teacher in the Brandywine School District and former Wilmington Housing Authority commissioner, and non-partisan Riley Figliola. Washington emphasized education, while Figliola's platform prioritized enriching social programs, meeting community needs and ensuring businesses prioritized Delawareans' best interests.
These are Senate District 1 unofficial results, according to Delaware Department of Elections:
Dan Cruce (D) - 3,654 votes
Steven Washington (R) - 990 votes
Riley "Liv" Figliola (NP) - 88 votes
Write-in Totals - 10 votes
In District 5, Ray Seigfried emerged victorious, drawing on his experience in state politics and health care. The former senior vice president of Christiana Care and one-term state representative campaigned on promises to enhance early childhood education and school funding, while also providing further support to small businesses and increasing "truth and transparency" across the state.
Republican Brent Burdge, a former DuPont supply chain manager, campaigned on improving public safety, promoting tax relief and job growth, supporting teachers and students, and bringing more local focus to Delaware's needs.
Delaware Department of Elections posted these unofficial District 5 results:
Ray Seigfried (D) - 3,780 votes
Brent Burdge (R) - 2,015 votes
Write-in Totals - 16 votes
You can contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Democrats win two Delaware senate seats in special election
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