Jones Giltner says time is right to run for 37th District seat

Georgetown Republican Valerie Jones Giltner knows she has her work cut out for her in replacing former 37th District Rep. Ruth Briggs King, but with Briggs King’s full endorsement, she’s ready to take on the challenge.

“I want to thank Ruth for leaving me some really big shoes to fill,” Jones Giltner said during her official announcement as Republican candidate for the 37th District seat. “Thank you for that legacy that I hope to continue.”

Dozens of supporters crowded into Revelation Brewing in Georgetown Dec. 1 to back the newcomer.

“The first thing that struck me was: impressive,” said Sussex County GOP Chair Drew Sunderlin.

Briggs King gave Jones Giltner her full backing.

“What makes Val the right candidate? The right candidate needs experience and the ability to make independent and critical decisions. Who better than a critical care nurse when you place your life in her hands to make those kinds of decisions,” Briggs King said, referring to Jones Giltner’s previous occupation. She now works as a healthcare consultant.

Jones Giltner said she grew up in Georgetown in a working-class family that taught her the value of hard work. One of her first jobs, she said, was mowing lawns for neighbors in the Georgetown area.

She has also faced her share of adversity. Her first husband died in 2005, leaving her with an 8-month-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. “It brought me to my knees, but I realized that with God I can do all things,” she said, giving thanks to God and her family for leading her to this point in her life.

Jones Giltner said she has been humbled by the nomination. The GOP chair selected the nominee for the special election that will be held Thursday, Dec. 21. Jones Giltner said when she was first approached to run, she wanted to make sure she was the best person for the job.

“As we talked further and I began to understand what this looked like, I realized I am the right candidate. I am the one who can go forward and do this,” she said.

Issues Jones Giltner said she is focused on include supporting strong families, continuing efforts for improved affordable housing and healthcare, and pushing for government accountability and efficiency.

Early voting for the special election begins 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8, and Dec. 11-14. The times change to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 15-19. All early voting is held at the Department of Elections, Georgetown Warehouse, 542 South Bedford St., Georgetown.

Election Day hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 21, at the voter’s assigned polling place.

Democrat Jane Hovington has also filed to run for the seat.