Ruth Briggs King

PHOTO COURTESY OF legis.delaware.gov

By Joseph Edelen

GEORGETOWN — Former state Rep. Ruth Briggs King has launched a bid to become Delaware’s next lieutenant governor.

The Georgetown Republican officially filed her candidacy with the Department of Elections on Monday, just a day after announcing her pursuit of the office.

“I am humbled by the support and encouragement from so many Delawareans to jump in this race,” Ms. Briggs King said in a statement. “It is time for our party to unite and set our sights on winning in November. Like so many Delaware families, I am concerned about public safety, the quality of our schools, and the rising costs of everyday necessities.”

The longtime member of Delaware’s House of Representatives is the first Republican to file their candidacy in the race to replace term-limited Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long.

There are four Democrats seeking their party’s nomination for the office: Sen. Kyle Evans Gay, D-Talleyville; Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker, D-Wilmington; retired U.S. Army colonel and state Democratic party vice-chair Debbie Harrington; and U.S. Army veteran David Lamar Williams Jr.

At the Delaware Republican Party’s nominating convention in Milford on Saturday, regional delegates voted to endorse Ms. Briggs King as their Republican candidate for lieutenant governor.

In addition to the former representative’s endorsement, delegates also selected House Minority Leader Mike Ramone, R-Newark, as the party’s gubernatorial choice, as well as Donyale Hall and Eric Hansen in their respective pursuits for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.

“We need bold new ideas from experienced leaders to begin delivering solutions for Delaware,” Ms. Briggs King said. “I am excited to join forces with Minority Leader Ramone to share a positive vision for Delaware rooted in commonsense solutions.”

In November 2023, Ms. Briggs King resigned from her seat in the state House of Representatives after moving outside of the 37th district’s limits. She then endorsed Rep. Valerie Jones Giltner, R-Georgetown, who won a special election in December to replace the longtime lawmaker.

Ms. Briggs King had represented the 37th House district in Delaware’s General Assembly since winning a special election in 2009 and was a leading voice amongst House Republicans as the caucus’ lone female member.

The Georgetown Republican served on the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee for a large part of her legislative service; she was also a member of a number of other House committees, such as the chamber’s education, transportation, judiciary and health cohorts.

“For 32 years, one party has controlled the direction of our state and the results have not been favorable to hardworking Delaware families. There is a lot of work to get done, and I look forward to sharing my vision for Delaware with voters throughout our state,” Ms. Briggs King said.

A current member of the Delaware Women’s Commission, Ms. Briggs King has prior experience as an educator, in real estate and in banking, as well as serving as a consultant for human resources.

Delaware’s primary election is set for Sept. 10, while the general election will take place on Nov. 5.

Department of Elections