WILMINGTON — Former Wilmington City Councilman Charles “Bud” Freel was elected the winner of the 4th Representative District special election Saturday, defeating Wilmington lawyer Ted Kittila 2210-1015. The 4th District includes a stretch of Lancaster Pike north of Elsmere.

The seat was formerly held by Gerald Brady, who resigned in mid-January for ongoing struggles with PTSD, including hearing loss. A few days later, he was arrested by Newark Police for two counts of shoplifting.

Delaware Democratic Party Chair Betsy Maron congratulated Mr. Freel on Saturday, and said with several key platform issues on the horizon in the state legislature, the 4th District is fortunate to have a representative so well prepared to undertake those issues.

Mr. Freel’s term will last approximately eight months. Then, the redistricting map will take effect for the 2022 midterm elections. Mr. Freel has said he will not run for re-election in Wilmington.

The representative-elect will be sworn into office today at 2 p.m. when the Delaware House of Representatives reconvenes.