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    • What to know about Delaware Inauguration Day 2025, new leaders
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    What to know about Delaware Inauguration Day 2025, new leaders

    Umito Posted on

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    The ballots have been cast, the confetti has cleared — and now, many Delawareans are ready to see the state’s next wave of leaders take center stage.

    Delawareans saw Democratic candidate and current New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer win the race for state governor on November 5.

    Several other candidates – including the current state senator. Sarah McBride and current United States Representative. Lisa Blunt Rochester – made First State history on the same night.

    And, with Election Day coming to an end, the next step will be the swearing-in of candidates in their respective offices.

    An in-depth look: Historic Victories and a Changing Political Landscape: Delaware’s 2024 General Election

    Here’s what to know about Inauguration Day 2025 in the First State — and which other residents can expect to lead other facets of state government.

    When will Delaware’s next governor be sworn in?

    For Delaware, Inauguration Day is scheduled for January 21, 2025, according to Governor-elect Meyer. transition site.

    Further details regarding the inauguration will be available in the coming weeks, according to close sources.

    Appointment of State House and Senate leaders

    Alongside Meyer, several other elected officials are preparing for the next chapter in state government.

    In the state General Assembly, several familiar faces have been selected for the upcoming 153rd legislative session, along with some leadership changes over the coming months.

    The state Senate Majority Caucus has selected Sen. David Sokola to return as president pro tempore, according to a news release from the Delaware Senate Majority Caucus issued Nov. 8 (Sokola has held the position since 2021).

    The caucus also selected Bryan Townsend and Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman to return to their previous roles – Townsend as Senate Majority Leader and Lockman as Senate Majority Whip.

    State Senate Republicans are expected to choose their leaders at a meeting scheduled for Nov. 21.

    A formal election for the state Senate pro tempore will be held during the special session scheduled for Dec. 16.

    At a reorganization meeting last week, members of the House Democratic caucus selected Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown as the next speaker of the House — the first Black speaker elected in state history, according to a press release issued on November 8.

    Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris will also serve as House Majority Leader – becoming the first member of the LGBTQ community to serve in the role – while Rep. Ed Osienski will be the next House Majority Whip.

    Minor-Brown, who has served since 2018, said that while she is “honored” to have been selected by her fellow caucus members for this role, she is also committed to working alongside other state legislators to help “forge a better future for all Delawareans.”

    “The historical significance of this moment is not lost on me, particularly at a time when we have more women and people of color in our caucus than ever before, reflecting the growing diversity of our Legislature and our state,” he said. Minor-Brown said in a statement. “I’m ready to jump in and advance policies that protect our most vulnerable, defend our shared values, and strengthen the rights of all our communities.”

    Rep. Harris also expressed gratitude for being chosen as the next House Majority Leader, adding that the work of the State General Assembly “is far from over.”

    Minor-Brown will succeed Valerie Longhurst, who served as the first female speaker of the state House of Representatives since 2023.

    Related: How a political newcomer unseated the speaker of the Delaware House of Representatives in Tuesday’s primary

    Additionally, six new members of the House Democratic Caucus will also be sworn in.

    This includes Josue Ortega, who will represent the city of Wilmington; Melanie Ross Levin, to represent Brandywine Hundred; Claire Snyder Hall, to represent the Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach areas; Kamela Smith, to represent Bear; Frank Burns, to represent Pike Creek; and Mara Gorman, to represent areas of Newark.

    In turn, the House Republican caucus chose Rep. Tim Dukes of Laurel for the role of House minority leader and Rep. Jeff Spiegelman of Clayton as the next House minority whip, according to a press release issued on November 8.

    All state representatives will be sworn in on January 14, 2025, giving their respective opinions. Oaths of office in accordance with the state constitution.

    Who else will take the oath?

    Senators and representatives of the 119th Congress will be officially sworn in on January 3, 2025, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

    Among them will be McBride and Blunt Rochester, who will soon serve as Delaware’s representative in the U.S. House and Senate, respectively.

    Blunt Rochester will join current Senator Chris Coons, who has held his seat since 2010.

    President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025.

    Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact. You can reach her at [email protected].

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