Schaeffer files to run for 20th District seat in 2026

Ruby Keeler Schaeffer has filed as a Democratic candidate for the 20th Representative District House seat in the 2026 election. She is also being considered for the special election to serve the final year of Stell Parker Selby’s term.

Schaeffer of Lewes is a lifelong resident of Delaware. She is currently a small business owner, but began her career at the Delaware Department of State Planning. There she was part of the drafting of Gov. Russell Peterson’s Coastal Zone Act, which was designed to protect the coastline from the construction of the Shell Oil Refinery. She also worked for DNREC Division of Soil and Water.

As representative, Schaeffer said she will champion infrastructure accountability, working with the Delaware Department of Transportation and fellow legislators to ensure roads are improved before new developments break ground, prioritizing responsible growth and community needs.

“We have roads and bridges that need updating now, but aren’t slated to be improved for 10 to 15 years. The residents of 20th District demand immediate action, and I will fight for them,” she said.

Schaeffer said she will prioritize education reform, supporting Gov. Matt Meyer’s initiative to consolidate school districts, boost teachers’ pay and explore alternative funding for new schools, aiming to improve outcomes for students and taxpayers alike.

She said she is committed to addressing the affordable housing crisis, and said she is “looking forward to working with Sen. Russ Huxtable and Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall to develop solutions that provide workforce housing options for local families priced out of the housing market.”

Schaeffer said she will partner with local healthcare systems to address the shortage of primary-care physicians and limited mental health services in the area.

“We must do better recruiting talent, but we need to seriously explore educating aspiring healthcare workers here at home, including building a medical school,” she said.

Schaeffer is a member of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, a past co-chair of the Delaware Maritime Hall of Fame, and also served on the board of directors of the Lightship Overfalls. She is a member of the Lewes Fire Department, volunteers as an EMT with the department, and said she will be a strong voice in Legislative Hall supporting the sustainability of volunteer fire and EMS companies.

She is married to her husband Mark, and has five children and nine grandchildren.