Delaware
Delaware Democrats prepare for new Trump administration
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Democrats in Delaware are seeking answers and preparing for President-elect Donald Trump to take office for another four years. Meanwhile, Republicans are hopeful the former president will enact the promises he made during his campaign.
Emotions ranged from joy to shock at Return Day, held just days after last week’s election. It’s a centuries-old First State tradition where every election cycle, candidates and Delawareans of all political affiliations come together to bury an actual hatchet to show there are no hard feelings — even after a divisive election.
Sussex County Republican Committee Vice Chair Tom Molnar had a booth set on the fairgrounds last week, with a cardboard copy of Trump people took pictures with and a large red hat with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan on it.
“This is the best week that we’ve had in a long time,” Molnar said. “Trump won, and we had a lot of Republicans win the election.”
Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris lost the popular vote and the Electoral College to Trump. Republicans gained control of the U.S. Senate; the House is still undecided to date, but Republicans are inching towards victory there as well.
Former Rep. Debbie Harrington, who unsuccessfully sought the lieutenant governor position in the Democratic primary earlier this year, said she thinks some people were uncomfortable electing a Black woman as president.
“When you talk about the differences in the two of them, it just didn’t cross my mind that he had the ability to win,” she said. “I just didn’t believe that.”
Millville resident Sherrena Williams said she’s worried the rights of Black people will erode under the next Trump administration.
“I personally grew up during segregation, and I’m starting to have flashbacks,” Williams said. “When we look at the television and he gave his [acceptance] speech, nobody looked like us on that stage.”
While Harris carried Delaware, turnout and Trump’s ability to broaden his appeal contributed to his overall win.
Delaware’s turnout was down from 68% four years ago, when President Joe Biden was running to 65% this year, state Department of Elections data shows. That’s similar to results nationally, where overall turnout was 65%, two points lower than in 2020.
Trump also increased his share of votes in the First State this election cycle, garnering 214,184 in 2024 compared with 200,184 in 2020.
Former Rep. Ruth Briggs King, a Republican who lost a bid for lieutenant governor against Democrat Kyle Evans Gay, said she saw more Black and Latino voters support her than in prior races.
“They like direct speech, not a lot of legalese, not a lot of political jargon,” she said. “They want that real and sincere conversation. And I think that must have resonated with them.”
Williams said the Democratic Party is not doing enough to represent the Black community.
Trump gained support from more Black voters, particularly men, this year than in 2020, according to data from AP VoteCast.
“The Democratic Party has to step up and be more proactive in supporting Black people,” Williams said. “They like us, but they’re not putting forth policy to show that. So that’s very important, and I think that is why Black men voted for the Republican Party. They see the Democratic Party as being friendly towards us as a people, but not friendly towards us with their policies.”
Delaware voters elected Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester to fill the seat of retiring Sen. Tom Carper, making her the state’s first woman and Black candidate elected to that chamber.
“I grow old gracefully,” said Susan Young Browne, who just received permission to keep driving until 115 years old.
That’s a testament to Browne enduring aptitude (and attitude) for life; having recently celebrated her 108th Birthday at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, Delaware.
Browne was in Delaware in 1918 during Segregation where she worked on a farm with her family sans water or electricity. She would eventually attend Delaware State College for Colored Students, today known as Delaware State University, and graduate in 1945, going on to teach in a one-room school house.
Married twice, she enjoys the company of a clan of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Nowadays, she can be found three times a work at the Modern Maturity Center where she enjoys group exercise classes; staying active is a key to that graceful aging she mentioned.
“When I get up in the morning, I have an exercise routine that I’ve been doing for the last 20 years,” she said. “When I retired and I walked around that classroom for 30 years, I am not going to sit down.”
SPRITELY ELDERS:
130 people attended her birthday party, including the Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, where she was gifted a parking spot right in front of the building reserved for those 100 years or older.
That’s important, because as Ms. Browne told those assembled to celebrate her life, the state had just reissued her driver’s license until 2033.
WATCH the story below from CBS News…
SHARE Ms. Susan Brown With Your Friends Who Need a Little Inspiration…
One week after a fire destroyed a historic church in Delaware, the congregation has found a temporary place to worship.
In the early morning hours on Sunday, May 17, 2026, a massive fire broke out at the Mother African Union Church along North Franklin Street.
The fire spread throughout the entire building, shooting flames 20 to 30 feet into the air. Nearby homes had to be temporarily evacuated because of flying embers.
Firefighters fought the blaze from the outside because the conditions were too dangerous, and it took more than an hour to bring the fire under control.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries; no one else was injured.
The church was left largely in ruins, and investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.
Leaders of Mother African Union Church say the mission to rebuild begins now after the historic building burned down over the weekend. NBC10’s Tim Furlong reports.
Rev. Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker II, the Senior Pastor of Mother African Union Church, held a press conference alongside Governor Matt Meyer and other community members just one day after the devastating fire.
“The flames may have touched our building, but they did not consume our faith,” Whitaker said as he announced the path to restoration would begin.
Pastor, Delaware Governor and other community members provided details following the fire that left a historic church in ruins over the weekend.
A few days later, on Sunday, May 24, worship services resumed at a temporary location in the Congo Legacy Center in Wilmington.
“This Sunday at the Congo Legacy Center, the Motherland Nation gathers again. Not defeated. Not broken. But resilient, faithful, and moving forward together in our #GoldenRestoration season,” church leaders wrote in a statement.
Church leaders have also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help support recovery efforts saying in part:
“As we begin the long and difficult journey of recovery and rebuilding, we humbly ask our local community, extended partners, friends, and supporters across the nation to continue lifting our congregation in prayer. We remain steadfast in our belief that although our physical sanctuary has been damaged, the spirit, mission, and legacy of Mother African Union Church remain unshaken.
Should you feel led to support our rebuilding and restoration efforts in any capacity, your generosity and partnership would be sincerely appreciated as we work faithfully to restore this historic pillar of faith and community service for future generations.”
If you would like to support Historic Mother African Union Church efforts to rebuild, click here.
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The countdown to America’s 250th year of independence has begun – but how can you even begin to celebrate such a milestone moment in just one day?
Short answer: It’s impossible. That’s why Delaware has a series of events and celebrations leading up to the big day.
With only a weeks left to go until that fateful Fourth, here are some of the biggest happenings planned this summer.
Attention all blues and Motown enthusiasts: American Legion Post 17 in Lewes will host a night full of the history, appreciation and spirit of blues music. This event was inspired by the historical Happy Day Club, a Lewes-based social club and gathering place for Black community members.
But this isn’t just about music ‒ it’s also about remembering the people, stories and lives that shaped the town’s cultural landscape.
Cost of entry is $75 per person. There is an additional service charge if purchased online. Attendees are encouraged to come decked out in their favorite shade of blue.
American Legion Post 17 (115 American Legion Road), Lewes, 6 to 10 p.m. May 30.
250 Ride, from Dover to Philadelphia
This year not only marks 250 years of independence for the United States, but also 250 years of Caesar Rodney’s famous, 80-mile journey from the state capital to Philadelphia.
Rodney ‒ who, like many of America’s founding fathers, has a complicated legacy, as previously reported by Delaware Online/The News Journal ‒ trekked through stormy weather to cast the deciding vote that declared the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Beginning noon June 12, a historical reenactor will make their way from Legislative Hall in Dover to Independence Hall in Philadelphia in a period-appropriate carriage, alongside fellow reenactors and other guests. The ride also will include welcome stops and moments for public engagement.
Legislative Hall (411 Legislative Ave.) June 12 at 7 a.m. to June 13 at 8 p.m.
Another one of Delaware’s oldest traditions marks a similar milestone this year: the state’s independence from both England and neighbor state Pennsylvania. Held every year in historic New Castle, this two-day celebration kicks off with food, drinks and music at the town center, and features a colonial-styled parade, a beer garden, an artisan and vintage market and children’s rides the next day. It then leads to a grand finale of fireworks over the Delaware River.
New Castle Battery Park (West Third Street) June 12 at 6 p.m. to June 13 at 11 p.m.
This community festival aims to bring together visitors and residents alike for a day filled with family-friendly activities, live music and good old-fashioned craftsmanship. The festival also will feature a variety of arts and crafts, food vendors and even a scavenger hunt.
Intersection of South Race Street & East Pine Street, Georgetown, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 13. Rain date is June 20.
Tracing Black Family Histories at the Delaware Public Archives, Wilmington
Presented by the Delaware Public Archives, this event provides available resources for researching the history of Black families in Delaware, up to the present day. Participants also can learn ways to unearth details about formerly enslaved predecessors and the history of free Black communities in the First State.
Woodlawn Library (2020 W. Ninth St., Wilmington) 6 to 7 p.m. June 15.
Colonial Punches: Flavors of History, Prices Corner
This one’s for the history lovers and the punch aficionados in Delaware. This Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm-sponsored event takes you on a whirlwind history and tastebud tour of drinks, accompanied by trivia and stories about punch and drinking habits from way back when. Participants can even sample five different punches, featuring the likes of rum, brandy and whiskey.
Greenback Mills and Philips Farm (500 Greenbank Road, Prices Corner), 7 to 8 p.m. June 18.
Newark Revolutionary History Stroll, Newark
Considering Newark is located right on the nation’s East Coast, it shouldn’t be surprising the town has witnessed some action during the American Revolution, from the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge to the Battle of the Brandywine at Chadds Ford. But what is lesser known is the British Army’s march through the town from one battle to the other. This tour takes residents back to that very day and what went down between the soldiers and the townspeople.
Newark Revolutionary History Stroll 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 27. Event is free, but preregistration is required at newarkde.gov/play.
Tall Ship Tours, Wilmington
For all big boat enthusiasts out there, this one’s for you. Come aboard and explore the deck of the Tall Ship of Delaware for free on Independence Day. The event also will feature food vendors, live music and activities on the riverfront for the whole family to enjoy ‒ plus, of course, fireworks. Organized by the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.
Dravo Plaza (920 Justison St., Wilmington), 2 to 7 p.m. on July 4.
‘Revolutionary Tavern Night,’ Prices Corner
Thought the festivities were over July 4? Better think again: Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm is also sponsoring a Revolutionary Tavern Night. Participants will dive into a five-course meal, with recipes harkening backing to the flavors and taverns of the past.
Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm (500 Greenbank Road, Prices Corner), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on July 11.
For more events and information, you can visit delaware250.org.
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.
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