Democrat Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman is the Delaware Senate’s majority whip and represents Wilmington.
Leadership isn’t easy. It requires not just vision but the courage to make tough decisions, especially in times of uncertainty. During the 152nd General Assembly, I had the privilege — and the responsibility — of leading on some of the most critical issues facing Delaware. From raising the minimum wage and passing the largest gun safety package in our state’s history to protecting access to women’s rights, expanding voting rights and rebuilding after the devastating impact of COVID-19, the challenges have been immense.
When confronted with these intricate problems, one thing has become crystal clear: You don’t lead effectively all by yourself. You rely on the strength of your team, the commitment of a few good folks and the ability to unite some pretty different-but-equal voices around a shared mission. Throughout the legislative session, Sen. Sarah McBride, D-Wilmington, was just that — an indispensable partner. Her leadership style of “collaboration” and her unfaltering commitment to the people of Delaware have been the bedrocks of our collective success.
For instance, in the wake of the tragic Uvalde, Texas, shooting, we knew we had to act swiftly on gun reform. As I led the charge to pass the permit-to-purchase legislation — an essential component of our gun safety package — Sarah’s quick efforts to communicate the urgency of the situation were instrumental. Her public advocacy helped galvanize the necessary support to pass this crucial legislation to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. While the heavy lifting of drafting and guiding this legislation through the Senate fell to me as a leader, Sarah’s role in building public awareness and support cannot be overstated. She proved that leadership isn’t just about taking charge; it’s also about working together to amplify our collective impact.
Our work didn’t stop there. The 152nd General Assembly also made several substantial advances in defending and bolstering women’s reproductive rights here in Delaware, ensuring that our state is — and remains — a safe haven for anyone seeking to exercise her right to choose. As with our work around voting rights, Sarah has been a vocal and effective advocate in this arena, one who understands the necessity of building the coalitions that allow these vital protections to be put in place. Her ability to navigate the complexities of these issues and work with a broad spectrum of stakeholders has been invaluable.
Building back better after COVID-19 has been another monumental task. The pandemic exposed and exacerbated many underlying issues in our state, from health care disparities to economic inequities. As we worked to address these challenges, Sarah’s contributions were again critical. As the chair of the Senate Health & Social Services Committee, Sarah McBride worked shoulder to shoulder with leaders in the industry to quickly communicate to Senate leadership, and legislate where necessary, the deficiencies in our health care system caused by the pandemic. She quickly worked to make sure we temporarily allow for expedited licensure of certain medical professions and expanded access to mental health services for our nurses and doctors working on the front lines.
As we look back on the accomplishments of the 152nd General Assembly, it’s clear that leadership requires more than just a strong hand at the helm — it requires a dedicated team working together toward a common goal. Sarah McBride has proven herself to be not just a team player but a leader in her own right, capable of driving forward the issues that matter most to Delawareans.
In the face of unprecedented challenges, we’ve achieved remarkable progress. Together, we’ve shown that, even in the toughest of times, effective leadership — built on collaboration, communication and a shared commitment to the common good — can achieve great things for Delaware. I’m confident that Sarah will bring these qualities to the U.S. Congress and continue for Delaware.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
