Candidate Name:  Dr. Nikki Miller

Office you are seeking: State House of Representatives, District 20

Party:  Republican

Age: 42

Hometown: Milton, DE

Political experience:   None

Professional experience:  I've spent over two decades serving in public education. I have served as a classroom teacher, Middle & High School Assistant Principal, Principal of Cape Henlopen High School and currently Supervisor of K-12 Instruction for Seaford School District.

What uniquely qualifies you for this office? 

Having lived in Delaware my entire life, I have a deep understanding of the unique needs and values of our community, particularly here in District 20. Growing up in Felton and spending my adult life in Sussex County, I’ve developed strong local ties and a commitment to the people I serve through my professional career as an educator.

My over two decades in public education have equipped me with a wealth of experience that I believe is crucial for a State Representative. As a classroom teacher, Middle and High School Assistant Principal, and Principal of Cape Henlopen High School, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the challenges our educators, students, and families face.

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

The top three issues I continue to hear about in my district are:  empowering educators and children, expanding access for health services, and investing in infrastructure to complement development.

I am dedicated to empowering educators and students by providing teachers with the resources and support they need to inspire students and ensure every child can succeed. Additionally, I am committed to expanding access to affordable healthcare options, ensuring that all residents can receive the care they need, with a core focus on access to women’s health and mental health services. As our community grows, it is essential to invest in our infrastructure by investing in our roads and public facilities to support sustainable development and improve the quality of life for everyone.  Our current leadership is not doing this and we need a change in order to make it happen.

What would be your top priority if elected? 

If elected, my top priority would be empowering educators and students. I believe that a strong education system is the foundation for a thriving community. By investing in resources, support, and professional development for our teachers, we can create an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. This focus will not only enhance educational outcomes but also foster a brighter future for our entire community.

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

Delaware needs to better support our senior citizens through strengthening tax credit and health savings programs, especially for those dealing with the increased and unfair increases in prescription drugs and medical bills.  I will work on a bipartisan basis to address this serious concern and ensure the quality of life for our seniors not just in the Cape Region but in Delaware is healthy and cost effective.   

What can Delaware do about its workforce issues?

We must focus on preparing our youth with the skills and training they need to succeed in today’s evolving job market. By investing in education, registered apprenticeships, and local industries, we can ensure that our young people have access to good-paying, future-ready jobs right here at home. 

How would you protect or change state employee benefits?

I would support legislation that clearly outlines and protects the benefits of state employees, ensuring they cannot be easily altered or eliminated and listen and collaborate with our retired employee associations like the AARP to ensure pensions and health care plans are protected and increased due to the rise in COLA expenses.  

What would you do to improve the quality of education in the First State?

To improve the quality of education in Delaware, I would focus on empowering teachers with ongoing professional development and resources, while advocating for student voice in decision-making processes. Ensuring safe schools is crucial, so I would prioritize funding for mental health services and positive school climates. I’d promote equitable resource allocation to guarantee access to high-quality instructional materials and establish high expectations for both students and educators. Additionally, I would emphasize the importance of regular attendance and encourage parental involvement, fostering accountability for student attendance. Together, these initiatives will help create a more effective and equitable education system for all students.

What issues do you strongly support and would not compromise?

I strongly support and would not compromise on two key issues: strengthening our education system across the state and advocating for women’s health and reproductive options. Enhancing educational quality and equity is essential to ensure that every student has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve. Additionally, I am committed to promoting women’s health, including access to comprehensive healthcare and reproductive options, as it is vital for women to have the right to make informed choices about their health and bodies.

How do you improve civility and thoughtful dialog in Delaware politics?

We need to prioritize open listening and a genuine willingness to consider diverse perspectives. This means creating forums for constructive discussions where all voices can be heard, regardless of political affiliation. By fostering an environment that encourages bipartisan decision-making, we can work collaboratively to find common ground on the issues that matter most to our communities. Emphasizing respect and understanding in our political conversations will not only strengthen our democracy but also lead to more effective governance for all Delawareans.

How do you perceive the “Delaware way” today?

The “Delaware Way” of working together is broken in our state and I will bring a consensus driven and results oriented focus to my role as a State Representative.   The extremes in our political system have gone too far in reducing compromise and I will work alongside members of both parties to make improvements that serve all of our constituents to the best of my ability.