Democrat Hovington seeks Briggs King’s vacant seat

November 22, 2023 6

The Sussex County Democratic Party announced Nov. 21 that Jane Hovington, current chair of the Sussex County Democratic Party, will be the Democratic nominee in a special election for the 37th District seat previously held by Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown.

Briggs King’s Nov. 16 resignation was prompted by a change in residence outside the district.

“As a lifelong advocate for justice and equality, I am eager to continue my work on behalf of the people of the 37th District and Delaware as a whole,” Hovington said in a press release. “Throughout my career, I’ve fought to strengthen our public education system, and ensure services and support reach the most vulnerable members of our community. I plan to continue that fight in Dover.”

Hovington said she has lived in Georgetown for more than 35 years and is a lifetime member and former chair of the Sussex County branch of the NAACP, a former member of Georgetown Town Council, chair of the board of adjustment for the Town of Georgetown and chair of the Richard Allen Coalition. She has also held leadership roles in the Shechinah Empowerment Center Re-entry Program, Small Wonder Ones Child Care Center, and the Indian River School District’s CAMP program.

The 37th District covers Georgetown and parts of Millsboro, Harbeson and greater Lewes.

On Nov. 17, Speaker of the House Valerie Longhurst, D-Bear, announced that a special election will be held Thursday, Dec. 21. The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the term for the 37th District, which will expire on Election Day in November 2024.

The race will be overseen by the Department of Elections, and voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots early, up to 10 days before the election, at designated sites. Early voting dates and locations will be available on the Department of Elections website.

On Nov. 16, Georgetown resident Valerie Jones Giltner announced her interest in the 37th District seat as a Republican nominee. The retired critical care nurse and healthcare consultant said she has contacted the Sussex County Republican Party chair and stressed that she is motivated to run an aggressive campaign to represent all the people of the 37th District. The party has not yet announced its official nominee for the seat.