UPDATED: Pete Schwartzkopf Steps Down as House Speaker
UPDATED: 07/01/23 – After the dinner break, the State House passed House Resolution 25 which elects Valerie Longhurst as Speaker of the House for the duration of the 152nd General Assembly.
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The worst kept secret in the State House was brought forward just before 6pm on the last day of the General Assembly session. House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf told the House of Representatives that he would be stepping down as the Speaker of the House but will finish his term representing District 14 in the State House as a member of the chamber.
After the dinner break, the House will vote on a Resolution that will make current House Majority Leader, Valerie Longhurst the next House Speaker – she will be the first female Speaker for Delaware.
Schwartzkopf says he made this decision to step down 8 months ago after his wife, Carol, became ill while he was running for re-election. He says it was too late to drop out of the race so he promised her that at some point he would step down. He has kept that promise. He also wants to spend more time with family and to watch his grandchildren grow up.
Senators Gerald Hocker and Dave Wilson came into the House Chamber during the session to speak as did former Representative Steve Smyk. Many Representatives spoke about Schwartzkopf as a lawmaker, representative and family man – many with anecdotes and memories of their time in office together. All said he was fair, consistent and respectful – regardless of which side of the aisle they sit.
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Governor John Carney on Friday issued the following statement on changes in Delaware House of Representatives Majority Leadership:
“Speaker Schwartzkopf is not just a great colleague, but a good friend. He’s also provided tremendous service to our state. First as a state trooper then as a member of the General Assembly with his 11 years as Speaker. Our state is better off because of his dedicated and reliable leadership. He’s promoted the health and safety of our communities, especially through his work to promote the prevention and detection of Lyme disease. He’s helped transform our tourism industry and worked to make Delaware’s beaches a world-class destination. Pete guided the Delaware House during some of the most challenging times in recent history. I know he is very much looking forward to having more time to spend with his wife and grandchildren — and he deserves it. I look forward to working with Pete as he continues to represent his district the rest of this session.
“I’d like to congratulate Representative Longhurst on becoming Speaker of the House— an important and historic day for Delaware as she becomes Delaware’s first female Speaker. Throughout her time as Majority Leader, Val has pulled together both sides of the Chamber on issues important to all Delawareans including mental health supports and protecting the rights of all Delawareans. We’ve worked side by side for over a decade, and I look forward to working with her, House Majority Leader Melissa Minor-Brown, and House Majority Whip Kerri Evelyn Harris moving forward.”
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Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long released a statement following the Delaware House of Representatives leadership elections on June 30:
“Today, Delaware women win! With the election of the first all-female leadership team in the House of Representatives, we are poised to do big things in the First State.
“Congratulations to Valerie Longhurst on her election to lead the Delaware House of Representatives as its first ever woman Speaker. Speaker Longhurst has been a tireless fighter for Delaware families and communities. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to work with her when we both served in the House and witnessed her fierce passion to uplift women and youth mental health. I also want to congratulate Majority Leader Melissa Minor-Brown, Delaware’s first Black House Majority Leader, and Majority Whip Kerri Evelyn Harris, the first openly LGBTQ member of legislative leadership, on their elections. I look forward to working with each of these talented women to deliver for the people of Delaware.
“I also want to extend my deepest thanks to Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf for his years of leadership and service as Speaker. A proud son of Sussex County, Pete has been Delaware’s biggest champion, and we are fortunate to have him continue his service in the House of Representatives.
“Delaware’s brightest days are ahead of us. And I am committed to building that bright future with this team of dedicated public servants.”
