Terrell Williams is a resident of Townsend who ran as a Democrat for the Delaware House of Representatives’ 9th District seat in 2024. He was defeated by Rep. Kevin Hensley.
Double standards and hypocrisy should have us questioning the integrity of some Delaware elected leaders. Selective outrage among party leaders has created spaces where injustice is ripe. Delaware deserves elected leaders who believe in accountability, transparency and public trust. It appears that some Democrats in our state are willing to remain silent in the court of public opinion for blatant violations of public trust. This is in contradiction to previous positions that some Democratic leaders have held for past elected officials who have been arrested or accused of misconduct. This begs the question: What conduct should warrant Democrats calling for fellow elected leaders to resign from office?
Delaware deserves a fair, impartial and equitable justice system. When ordinary citizens are arrested in our state for DUI, the process is clear: Police investigate the individual for the suspicion of DUI and, if necessary, make an arrest. Rep. Kevin Hensley, R-Townsend, was arrested for DUI (on Nov. 9, 2024), and his blood alcohol level was reportedly 0.14, nearly two times the legal limit. Allegedly, while operating his vehicle severely impaired, Rep. Hensley hit another motorist, causing the vehicle to roll over three times before coming to a rest. The motorist was injured as a result. It is a miracle that the driver was not more seriously hurt.
As a candidate who campaigned on law and order, Rep. Hensley has been silent for months, knowing that these charges were pending. Even Hensley’s peers in the Delaware legislature and throughout government are eerily silent. Is this what justice looks like for elected officials in the state of Delaware? It appears that some Democrats are more concerned with Rep. Hensley’s health rather than the crime that was allegedly committed or the status of the motorist who was injured. Drinking and driving is one of the most preventable crimes on our books. The onus is placed on the individual to take responsible steps to ensure everyone’s safety on our roads by having a designated driver, using a ride-share service or not drinking in public if he or she must drive. Clearly, Rep. Hensley reportedly chose to ignore that message or believes that our laws do not apply to him.
There have been many instances lately of Democrats who criticize party members for misconduct and violations of public trust. To hear the blatant silence and indifference to Rep. Hensley’s case is disheartening as a Delaware Democrat. I do not realistically expect Delaware Republicans to ask for Hensley’s resignation or to publicly condemn him for his alleged actions. However, what is stopping Democrats from doing so? It appears that some Democrats are willing to ignore Rep. Hensley’s incident because the motorist was not seriously enough injured.
In a state where justice has often been prejudiced by selective prosecution, do we really want to affirm the distrust with more selective outrage under the guise of White privilege? Rep. Hensley should immediately resign from office, and a special election should be held.
I look forward to supporting the next Democratic nominee in the 9th District.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.