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Nikki Miller drops out of District 20 race

Republican says she wants to focus on education
February 19, 2026

Nikki Miller, who twice ran for the 20th District seat covering Milton and greater Lewes, announced Feb. 18 that she is dropping out of the 2026 race.

The Republican lost a razor-thin race in 2025 during the special election held after Rep. Stell Parker-Selby resigned following an absence of nearly a full session. Democrat Alonna Berry came out ahead in the special election with 121 votes after absentee ballots were counted. Miller had led in early voting and same-day voting.

In 2024, Miller lost to Parker-Selby by 245 votes.

In a Facebook post announcing her decision, Miller described her recent campaign as incredible experiences “filled with memorable moments from events and fundraisers to meeting remarkable individuals in our community.”

Miller, a lifelong educator who is supervisor of instruction with the Seaford School District and previously served as principal of Cape High, said she is choosing to focus on education and her work with students, teachers and the community where she believes she can make a real impact.

“I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported and encouraged me throughout this journey,” she said. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next.”

Berry has filed for re-election to her District 20 seat, and faces Democrat challenger Ruby Schaeffer in a primary in September.

 

Melissa Steele is a staff writer covering the state Legislature, government and police. Her newspaper career spans more than 30 years and includes working for the Delaware State News, Burlington County Times, The News Journal, Dover Post and Milford Beacon before coming to the Cape Gazette in 2012. Her work has received numerous awards, most notably a Pulitzer Prize-adjudicated investigative piece, and a runner-up for the MDDC James S. Keat Freedom of Information Award.