Candidate Name: Bryant L. Richardson

Party: Republican

Age: 76

Hometown: Seaford

Political experience: Elected to the Delaware State Senate on November 2014, re-elected on November 2018

Professional experience: Publisher

What uniquely qualifies you for this office?

While in the Senate, I have served on the following: Agriculture Committee, Banking, Business Insurance Committee, Elections & Government Affairs Committee, Labor Committee, Veterans Affairs Committee, Legislative Oversight & Sunset Committee, Joint Finance Committee, Domestic Violence Bail Review task force, Delaware Youth Drug Prevention Curriculum task force, Clean Water & Flood Abatement task force, Child Abuse Accountability task force, Adult Use Cannabis Task Force, Delaware Anti-Trafficking Action Council, Delaware Health Fund Advisory Committee, Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission and the Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium.

What are the top three issues for this office in your view?

Here are my priorities to help those struggling through these times of high inflation.

• Repeal the 2017 tax hike on real estate transfers. Delaware’s closing costs are the highest of any state. A tax of $10,000 is levied on a $250,000 home purchase.

• Pursue a middle-class tax cut. Despite its reputation, Delaware is not a "low tax" state. Tax collections are the eighth-highest per capita of the 50 states. Instead of raising the income tax rates, as has often been proposed in the state legislature, we must offer income tax relief to middle class families.

• Reinstate and increase the senior citizen tax credit on property taxes. These citizens do not usually have children in school, which is what most of those taxes fund, and many senior citizens are on fixed incomes.

What would be your top priority if elected?

Public safety. Without law and order our society ends. Our police professionals deserve our appreciation. Showing our support for law enforcement is always extremely important, but especially during this time of unrest. These men and women are doing one of the most difficult jobs in our society, but to face criticism from extremists who want to destroy our way of life adds to their stress and the stress of their family members.

In too many cities elected officials are not supporting the police. Instead, they are siding with the rioters and those who are threats to others. We cannot allow that lack of respect for our officers to become part of our culture in Delaware. Our efforts in the legislature must let our officers know we will stand up for them.

If you could change one state policy or law, what would it be?

I believe the right to life is a basic human right protected by our Constitution. The rights of the unborn should be protected.

What can Delaware do about its workforce issues?

Not answered.    

What, if any, gun laws would you change?

I support a constitutional carry law. I am opposed to disarming law-abiding citizens and depriving them of the right to defend themselves against the lawless. No infringements is clear in the Second Amendment.

How would you protect or change abortion rights in the state?

I have introduced two bills on this topic: Pain Capable Unborn Protection Act and Women’s Right to Know Ultrasound Act. Both bills were stalled in the Democrat controlled committee. The Pain Capable Unborn Protection Act would not allow D&E abortions. At five months of pregnancy abortions require the dismemberment of the fetus. This is barbaric.

Do you support the State Employee Benefits Committee’s move to Medicare Advantage Plan for state retirees? Why?

I do not see how this will improve access to health care. I do not support this change.