Delaware Stonewall PAC holds fundraiser, endorses candidates
Delaware Stonewall PAC held its 18th annual Summer Funder Aug. 13 at Shrimpy’s Bar and Grill in Rehoboth. As a political action committee whose mission is to help elect candidates who support equality, fairness and opportunity for all, Delaware Stonewall PAC honored local pioneers and announced its endorsement of candidates for the 2022 election cycle.
The event was attended by more than 130 residents from Kent, Sussex, and New Castle counties, and featured a keynote address by state Sen. Marie Pinkney, D-Bear. Awards for civil and human rights pioneers were presented to Murray Archibald, co-founder of CAMP Rehoboth; C. Dixon Osburn, co-founder of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which fought to overturn the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy; and Charlotte King, founder of Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice.
“I was delighted to see the terrific turnout, which I think is a reflection of how critical your mission of promoting acceptance and equality is during this unsettled time in our nation’s history. Keep up the great work! I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you – not just as an ally, but as an advocate!” said Sen. Trey Paradee, D-Cheswold.
Many state elected officials were present, including presenters Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and State Treasurer Colleen Davis.
“Your endorsement means so much to me, and I am proudly announcing it to our voters. It truly is a badge of honor to have received your seal of approval. I look forward to a continued partnership. I am committed to using my platform to advocate for our LGBTQ+ communities,” said Davis.
Endorsement from Delaware Stonewall PAC is based on a candidate’s history of voting for issues that align with the PAC mission statement, their demonstrated commitment to support the PAC mission, and/or their positive responses to the candidate survey. Vice President Tara Sheldon said, “We take these commitments seriously and believe the candidates we endorse will, when elected, work toward the goals we have set out for protecting the lives of LGBTQ+ citizens of all ages.”
Delaware Stonewall PAC endorses the following candidates for the Sept. 13 primaries:
State auditor, Lydia York; New Castle County District 1, Brandon Toole; Senate District 6, Russ Huxtable; SD 14, Kyra Hoffner; Representative District 1, Shané Darby; RD 6, Becca Cotto; RD 13, DeShanna Neal; RD 18, Sophie Phillips; RD 25, Cyndie Romer; RD 26, Madinah Wilson-Anton; RD 27, Eric Morrison; and RD 32, Kerri Evelyn Harris.
General Election endorsements (to be updated following the primaries) are: Congress, Lisa Blunt Rochester; Delaware State Treasurer, Colleen Davis; Kent County Sheriff, Brian E. Lewis; SD 1, Sarah McBride; SD 13, Marie Pinkney; RD 23, Paul Baumbach; SD 5, Kyle Evans Gay; SD 7, Spiros Mantzavinos; SD 8, David P. Sokola; SD 11, Bryan Townsend; SD 17, Trey Paradee; RD 4, Keegan Worley; RD 9, Terrell A. Williams; RD 20, Stell Parker Selby; RD 21, Frank Burns; and RD 39, Susan Clifford.
Delaware Stonewall PAC President Dwayne Bensing said, “We were very encouraged so many candidates sought our endorsement and committed to serving our broad, intersectional community. We look forward to announcing further endorsements after the primary and working with these candidates and other elected allies to pass inclusive, pro-LGBTQ+ equality legislation.”
Candidates who wish to be considered for Stonewall endorsement are invited to complete the candidate survey at tinyurl.com/2p8h8vsf.
Further information about Delaware Stonewall PAC and current candidates list can be found at delawarestonewall.org.
