Hocker: It’s time for Delaware to change direction
Sen. Gerald Hocker is a Republican representing Ocean View.
Delaware is a state with tremendous potential. From our scenic coastlines to our thriving communities, we have all the ingredients for success. Yet, despite these advantages, our state has been underperforming in key areas — most notably in education and the economy. It’s time we ask ourselves whether the direction we’ve been headed in for the past several decades is the right one for the future of Delaware.
The last time Delaware elected a Republican governor was in 1988. At that time, our state’s education system was much stronger. In 1992, Delaware’s students were performing close to the national average in both math and reading proficiency. Our fourth graders were in line with the rest of the country in math, and while reading scores were slightly below average, we still remained competitive nationally.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the picture has dramatically worsened. Delaware now ranks 45th in the nation for education. Only 33% of our students are proficient in math, and 40% are proficient in English language arts. These statistics paint a stark and troubling reality: Seventy-five percent of Delaware’s fourth graders are not reading at grade level, and more than 80% of our eighth graders are struggling in math.
This educational decline is not just a statistic — it represents thousands of Delaware students being left behind and entering adulthood without the skills they need to succeed.
This educational crisis has serious implications for our state’s future workforce and economic competitiveness. Strong educational systems are the foundation of economic success, but unfortunately, Delaware’s economy has seen its own struggles. In 1992, our state’s unemployment rate was around 5.5%, roughly equal to the national average at the time. Back then, Delaware’s economy was more resilient, benefiting from a strong financial sector and steady economic growth.
However, Delaware’s economic standing has since slipped. Today, our state ranks 43rd in gross domestic product among all states, contributing just 0.3% to the nation’s overall economy.
Our reliance on industries like finance and insurance has left us vulnerable, while other states have diversified into technology, manufacturing and other growing sectors. This lack of economic diversification has contributed to stagnant growth, higher unemployment and fewer opportunities for Delawareans.
These dual crises — in education and the economy — are deeply connected. A poorly performing education system leads to an underprepared workforce, which, in turn, limits economic growth and opportunity. If we want to see Delaware thrive once again, we must address these foundational issues with urgency and resolve.
This is not about partisan politics or blaming one party over another. It’s about taking a hard look at the facts and realizing that the status quo is not working. For more than three decades, Delaware has been headed in the wrong direction, and the results speak for themselves. Our state’s education system is failing our children, and our economy is no longer competitive on the national stage.
Delawareans deserve leadership that is willing to acknowledge these problems and take meaningful steps to address them. This is where Mike Ramone and Ruth Briggs King come in. Mike Ramone, who currently serves as a Republican state representative for the 21st District (Newark) and is the House of Representatives’ minority leader, has long been a strong voice for Delaware’s families. His experience and commitment to improving education and fostering economic growth make him the right choice for governor. Alongside him, Ruth Briggs King, a retired Republican state representative from the 37th District (Georgetown), has spent years serving Delaware’s communities and understands the importance of investing in our state’s future. Together, they are committed to putting Delaware back on track and addressing the issues that matter most to our residents.
As Election Day nears, it’s time for all of us — Democrats, Republicans and independents alike — to consider whether continuing on our current course is the best choice for Delaware’s future. The evidence suggests that it is not. With Mike Ramone and Ruth Briggs King leading the way, Delaware can move toward a brighter future that prioritizes education, economic growth and opportunities for all.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
