Sussex County Democrats to hold RD 20 candidate forum July 3

The Sussex County Democratic Committee will host a candidates forum from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, July 3, for Democrats seeking election to the District 20 seat in the Delaware House of Representatives. The program will take place at the Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes.

All registered Democrats are welcome to attend the forum, but candidates must reside in the 20th District. The eventual Democratic nominee will be selected by members of the 20th RD Democratic Committee immediately after the forum. Party candidates will run in a special election that has yet to be scheduled but is expected to occur in early August.

The position was vacated June 24, following the resignation of Rep. Stell Parker Selby, D-Milton, who stepped down as a result of a serious medical emergency. Parker Selby was the first African American in Delaware history to serve in the House of Representatives from Sussex County. 

A special election for the seat will be governed by Delaware Code. Under that code, the House speaker will issue a writ of election within 10 days of the vacancy. The writ sets the date for the special election, which must take place between 30 and 35 days from when the writ is issued. A writ of election had not been issued as of press time of this edition.

The 20th District includes Lewes, Milton, Nassau, Pinetown, Belltown, and parts of Harbeson and Georgetown. Forum attendees will be encouraged to ask questions of candidates in written form; the event will be moderated by Jeff Balk, Sussex County Democratic Committee chair.

Those planning to attend in person or via Zoom should RSVP by Tuesday, July 1, via email to hsginde@gmail.com to confirm their party status and receive a Zoom link. Attendees who did not RSVP will need to check in at the door beginning at 5:30 p.m., July 3. For further information, email DESussexDemocrats@gmail.com.