With four Democrats and four Republicans receiving support, Delaware’s leading business organization offers a reminder that a candidate’s record and willingness to work across party lines can matter more than political affiliation.

WILMINGTON, Del. — At a time when national politics increasingly encourages voters to choose sides, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is offering a reminder of an older First State tradition: Judge the person, not just the party.

The Chamber announced endorsements Thursday, Oct. 22, of eight candidates in the Nov. 3 general election — four Democrats and four Republicans.

The selections reflect a longstanding Delaware political culture in which personal relationships, individual records and a willingness to work together have often mattered more than party loyalty.

Known as the Delaware Way, that tradition has come under increasing pressure as national political divisions influence state and local elections.

But the Chamber’s endorsements suggest that, at least within Delaware’s business community, there remains value in evaluating candidates individually.

Eight candidates, two parties

The Chamber endorsed the following candidates:

Office

Candidate

Party

Attorney general

Kathleen Jennings

Democrat

Senate District 7

Spiros Mantzavinos

Democrat

Senate District 14

Kyra Hoffner

Democrat

House District 8

Gary Taylor

Republican

House District 11

Jeffery Spiegelman

Republican

House District 20

Alonna Berry

Democrat

House District 34

Lyndon Yearick

Republican

House District 38

Carlie Carey

Republican

In its announcement, the Chamber said the candidates have demonstrated a willingness to engage with employers and consider how government decisions affect jobs, economic growth and Delaware’s competitiveness.

The organization said its endorsement process considers voting records, past engagement with the business community and positions on issues affecting employers and employees.

That approach does not require candidates to agree on every issue. It places greater emphasis on their records and willingness to consider different perspectives.

A reminder of the Delaware Way

Delaware’s small size has historically encouraged a political culture different from the increasingly partisan environment in Washington.

Republicans and Democrats frequently worked together, and voters were often familiar with candidates as neighbors, business owners, community volunteers or local officials.

Former Republican Gov. Mike Castle defended that tradition in 2012, arguing that Delaware’s size made cooperation essential to competing with larger states for jobs and economic opportunities.  Castle described bipartisan cooperation as central to Delaware’s past success.

But that tradition has become more complicated.

Critics argue that the Delaware Way can also protect established political relationships and discourage challenges to those in power. Gov. Matt Meyer campaigned in 2024 as an outsider willing to challenge that political culture.

The Chamber’s endorsements suggest another way of looking at the tradition: Cooperation across party lines does not necessarily mean protecting the political establishment. It can also mean evaluating individual candidates on their willingness to listen, compromise and be accountable for their decisions.

Business interests cross party lines

For Delaware employers, many of the issues facing state government are not easily divided into Republican and Democratic priorities.

Energy costs, taxes, workforce development, education, regulations and government spending affect businesses regardless of their owners’ political affiliations.

The Chamber has consistently advocated policies intended to improve Delaware’s economic competitiveness while working with lawmakers from both parties.

Its bipartisan approach is not new. In 2024, the organization endorsed 14 General Assembly candidates in the general election, including Democrats and Republicans.

This year’s smaller list of eight endorsements suggests a selective approach, although the Chamber has not publicly explained why it endorsed fewer candidates.

The choices also raise questions about what constitutes a business-friendly candidate in a state where Democrats control the governor’s office and both legislative chambers.

For the Chamber, maintaining relationships with members of both parties may be as important as supporting candidates who agree with every position on its legislative agenda.

A different question for voters

The Chamber’s announcement comes as voters begin early voting ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

Its endorsements are not evidence that Delaware voters are abandoning party loyalty. Nor do they establish that the Delaware Way is returning.

But they provide a timely example of an organization evaluating candidates through a different lens.

Rather than asking only whether a candidate is a Republican or Democrat, the Chamber’s approach focuses attention on other questions: Has the candidate listened to constituents and employers? What does the candidate’s record demonstrate? And is the candidate willing to consider solutions that cross party lines?

In an election season dominated by national political divisions, the endorsements offer a reminder of a tradition that has long shaped Delaware politics.

In a state small enough for voters to know many of their elected officials personally, party labels may tell only part of the story.

Whether more Delaware voters embrace that approach in 2026 remains to be seen.

TO GO: Chamber endorsements and the Nov. 3 election

• What’s new: The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce endorsed eight candidates Oct. 22 — four Democrats and four Republicans.

• How candidates were selected: The Chamber cites voting records, engagement with the business community and positions affecting employers and employees.

• Historical context: The Chamber has supported candidates from both parties in previous election cycles.

• Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

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