DOVER – Meredith Chapman, the wife of a Newark councilman, said Wednesday she’s filing to run for the Delaware Senate.

Ms. Chapman, a Republican, is seeking the seat in the 8th Senatorial Distict held since 1990 by Democrat David Sokola. The district which covers Newark.

Meredith Chapman

Ms. Chapman, who handles social media for the University of Delaware, said the district “has always been home to me in some way, shape or form.

“I’m constantly talking to my neighbors, family, friends, business owners, and they’re sharing with me their concerns that we need someone who will be our champion for change in Dover,” she said in a video posted to Facebook.

Her husband, Luke, serves on the Newark council.

Sen. Sokola serves as co-chairman of the Bond Bill Committee, which allocates funds for construction projects.

Democrats outnumber Republicans by about 1,800 in the district, but the registration is relatively even in comparison to most other New Castle County districts.

Republican challengers are also taking on Sen. Harris McDowell, who has represented District 1 for 40 years; Sen. Patricia Blevins, who has spent 26 years in the District 7 seat; and Sen. Bruce Ennis of the 14th District, who was first elected in 1982.