For Immediate Release: Friday, November 8, 2024, 5 p.m.
For More Information: Joe Fulgham (302) 270-6408
The Delaware House of Representatives Republican Caucus met earlier this afternoon to select its leaders for the 153rd General Assembly, which began on Election Day.
State Rep. Tim Dukes (R-Laurel) was elected by his fellow House Republicans as the House Minority Leader. State Rep. Jeff Spiegelman (R-Townsend, Clayton, Smyrna) was chosen as the new House Minority Whip. They will lead a caucus of 14 members, one less than the previous General Assembly.
Tim Dukes, 60, was first elected to represent the citizens of the 40th Representative District in 2012. The district includes the municipalities of Laurel, Delmar, and Bethel. He previously served as House Minority Whip in the 150th and 151st General Assemblies. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Valley Forge and is a pastor at Central Worship Center.
Jeff Spiegelman, 41, was also first elected in 2012. He represents the 11th District, which includes portions of Clayton, Smyrna, Kenton, and Middletown. Unlike Rep. Dukes, he has not previously held a House leadership post. Rep. Spiegelman earned a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and holds a master’s degree from Norwich University. He works as a commercial realtor and a college instructor.
In contrast to many other state legislatures, Delaware has no “lame duck” period. State lawmakers elected on Election Day immediately begin representing their constituents.
The House Democratic Caucus is now meeting to choose a House Majority Leader and a House Majority Whip.
The last remaining leadership position, Speaker of the House, requires a vote of 21 of the 41 House members. While the Majority Caucus holds 27 seats and may informally agree within their ranks on who that person will be, the official vote will not be taken until the first day the House meets in session.
The legislature will gather for the first time on Tuesday, January 14th, at which time all state representatives will be administered their Oaths of Office. ###
