Candidate Name: Kyle Evans Gay

Party: Democratic Party

Age: 36

Hometown: Wilmington, DE

Political experience: State Senator serving Delaware’s 5^th Senate District

Professional experience: Attorney

What uniquely qualifies you for this office?

As a Senator, advocate, attorney, and mom, I am uniquely positioned to advocate for the policies and investments that will make a difference in the lives of residents in North Wilmington and Claymont. Even before serving in the State Senate, I worked on the Equal Rights Amendment to Delaware’s constitution and advocated for changes to medical insurance and family leave. In the Senate I draw on my professional experience as a litigator to tirelessly advocate for my community and for our most vulnerable Delawareans. And as a mom, I know first-hand that caring for our community means caring for each and every neighbor. I have the experience and the passion to continue to do this work on behalf of all of us. 

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

As a State Senator I hear from residents daily about the issue and concerns they have for our state. The most important part of my job is to ensure that their voices are heard in places where decisions are being made. During my time in the Senate, I have focused on issues that will keep our community thriving and safe. Economic empowerment, gun safety, and criminal justice reforms will continue to be areas of focus for me, because they greatly impact the residents of this Senate district.

What would be your top priority if elected?

One of my priorities has been voting rights legislation, including automatic voter registration, which was signed into law in 2021 and which will streamline voter registration and make it easier to vote. A person’s vote is their voice, and the General Assembly must work to remove barriers to voting that silence voices in our communities. I will continue to prioritize voting rights legislation so that in Delaware our representatives in government truly reflect the will of the people they serve.

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

Childcare is part of the essential care economy that keeps Delawareans safe and healthy. To support kids, parents, and educators, I would increase the eligibility for state subsidized childcare. The cost of 0-5 childcare is, on average, 20% of the median family income in our state. Yet only 1 out of 7 children age birth to five are able to access publicly funded early care and education programs. Science tells us that 90% of brain development milestones occur prior to age 5. But without access to developmentally appropriate care, many children in Delaware are missing opportunities to build foundations for future success. By investing in children and mitigating the high costs of childcare for families, we are also investing in our local economy by putting educators to work and empowering parents to reenter the workforce. 

What can Delaware do about its workforce issues?

The General Assembly has made important investments in workforce development including investing in scholarships and workforce training opportunities. But in addition to job training, we must also consider how we retain workers in key industries and positions. The minimum wage and programs like paid family medical leave are only part of the puzzle. We must also ensure that public contracts reflect the true cost of labor, and we should encourage new businesses and industries to invest in Delaware. Some of these opportunities can and should dovetail with other strategic goals. For example, investments in clean energy could increase opportunities for Delawareans to work in that industry.

What, if any, gun laws would you change?

I did support, and I continue to support a permitting system for the purchase of firearms.  

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

In 2022, I sponsored and passed two pieces of legislation that expanded access to abortion and provided protections for patients and healthcare providers. These new laws provide legal protections, but Delawareans – like in so many other states – still face barriers to accessing care. We in the General Assembly are obligated to ensure that care is available to all regardless of race, income, or geography.

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

Along with my Democratic colleagues in the Senate, I signed a letter requesting a delay in the implementation date of the Medicare Advantage Plan for state retirees. The Superior Court recently issued an order preventing implementation of the new plan. With the court-ordered delay now a reality, my goal is to prevent any gaps in coverage or care, and to ensure transparency in the decision-making process.