The day the print edition of the Cape Gazette is published is primary day in Delaware. Registered Democrats and Republicans will make their way to the polls to select their candidates for the general election in November. This year’s election will mark the first time in 22 years that Pete Schwartzkopf will not be on the ballot for District 14 in the Rehoboth Beach area.

This photograph of Schwartzkopf ran on the front page of the Nov. 8, 2002, edition of the Cape Gazette, showing the Schwartzkopf celebrating his win in the newly created 14th District. He is shown with Deb and Ray McHenry. Schwartzkopf held onto the seat until his retirement at the end of the last session this year.

Among his accomplishments is serving as Delaware Speaker of the House for more than 10 years. Vying for his seat in this year’s election are Kathy McGuiness (a longtime friend and supporter of Schwartzkopf), Marty Rendon and Claire Snyder-Hall in the Democratic primary, and Mike Simpler on the Republican side.