County council candidates to address 14th RD Democrats
The next meeting of the 14th Representative District Democratic Committee will feature Sussex County Councilwoman Jane Gruenebaum (District 3) and two candidates for council seats: Justine Cuccia (District 4) and Jill Hicks (District 5). The program will begin at 5 p.m., Monday, May 11, with a Dutch treat dinner, followed by remarks from the guest speakers at 6 and committee business at 6:30. All registered Democrats are welcome to participate in 14th RD meetings, with the location of the event provided to those who RSVP by Sunday, May 10, to de14rddems@gmail.com.
The program is part of the committee’s meet-the-candidates series showcasing state and local candidates in the 2026 election. Gruenebaum, who won election to council in 2024 on a platform opposing overdevelopment, will discuss recent land-use decisions and the need to add council members who support smart growth and environmental protection.
Hicks, a former teacher and executive with Wawa, co-founded the Sussex Preservation Coalition with Gruenebaum and led the group until recently announcing her candidacy. During the last year, she’s served on the 10-member Sussex County Land Use Reform Working Group to develop recommendations to limit and improve development. This marks the Democrat’s first run for public office.
Cuccia is a native New Yorker who moved to Bethany Beach in 2016. A former lawyer, teacher and community activist, she’s running for county council because of what she sees as a housing boom that’s created clogged roads, a shortage of doctors and overcrowded schools. In recent years, she’s experienced those problems firsthand while working as a substitute teacher in the Indian River School District. The longtime Democrat has also helped organize three No Kings rallies in Bethany Beach.
The 14th RD Democratic Committee represents residents of Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and southern Lewes. For further information, go to 14thRDDelDems.com.
