Peter C. Schwartzkopf (born January 15, 1955) is an American politician and former Speaker of the Delaware House of Representatives. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented the 14th district from 2002 to 2024.[1] His district covers Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Dewey Beach in Sussex County. Prior to his election to the House, he was a state police officer.[2]
Peter Schwartzkopf | |
|---|---|
| Speaker of the Delaware House of Representatives | |
| In office January 8, 2013 – June 30, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Gilligan |
| Succeeded by | Valerie Longhurst |
| Majority Leader of the Delaware House of Representatives | |
| In office January 13, 2009 – January 8, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Richard C. Cathcart |
| Succeeded by | Valerie Longhurst |
| Member of the Delaware House of Representatives from the 14th district | |
| In office November 6, 2002 – November 5, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Richard DiLiberto |
| Succeeded by | Claire Snyder-Hall |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 15, 1955 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Delaware Technical Community College Wilmington University (BA) |
He served as Majority Leader of the House from 2009 to 2013 before being elected Speaker of the House in 2013.[1] He stepped down from his role as speaker in June 2024 and was replaced by Valerie Longhurst.[3]
In 2023, Schwartzkopf announced his intention to not seek reelection in the following year.[3] He subsequently endorsed former state auditor Kathy McGuiness to take his seat representing the 14th district.[4] Schwartzkopf is a longtime friend of McGuiness, who was forced to resign as auditor in 2022 after her criminal conviction for misdemeanor conflict of interest, a charge which Schwartkopf described as "bogus" in his endorsement.[2][4] McGuiness subsequently lost the primary election to Claire Snyder-Hall, who was elected to fill the seat in the general election.[5]
Electoral history
edit- In 2002, Schwartzkopf won the general election with 4,530 votes (53.1%) against Republican nominee Michael A. Meoli and Libertarian nominee Everett M. Wodiska.[6]
- In 2004, Schwartzkopf won the general election with 8,396 votes (67.8%) against Republican nominee Mary Spicer and Libertarian nominee Everett M. Wodiska.[7]
- In 2006, Schwartzkopf won the general election with 6,610 votes (69.2%) against Republican nominee Kirk A. Pope Jr. and Independent nominee Maurice J. Barros.[8]
- In 2008, Schwartzkopf was unopposed in the general election, winning 10,616 votes.[9]
- In 2010, Schwartzkopf won the general election with 6,425 votes (53.7%) against Republican nominee Christopher J. Weeks.[10]
- In 2012, Schwartzkopf won the general election with 8,250 votes (89.9%) against Libertarian nominee Margaret V. Melson.[11]
- In 2014, Schwartzkopf was unopposed in the general election, winning 5,911 votes.[12]
- In 2016, Schwartzkopf won the Democratic primary with 1,868 votes (73.9%) against Don R. Peterson.[13] He went on to win the general election with 9,297 votes (63.6%) against Republican nominee James Louis DeMartino.[14]
- In 2018, Schwartzkopf won the general election with 8,530 votes (62.5%) in a rematch against Republican nominee James Louis DeMartino.[15]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Representative Peter C. Schwartzkopf". Delaware General Assembly.
- ^ a b Barrish, Cris (July 25, 2022). "Delaware House speaker won't join effort to oust auditor, calls it 'political theater'". WHYY-FM.
- ^ a b Shull, Bill; Steele, Melissa (July 25, 2023). "Schwartzkopf announces retirement from office". Cape Gazette.
- ^ a b Barrish, Cris (May 9, 2024). "A Delaware auditor was convicted of corruption. Now she's running for state House". WHYY-FM.
- ^ Steele, Melissa (November 5, 2024). "Snyder-Hall tops Simpler to win District 14 seat". Cape Gazette.
- ^ "2002 General Election - Department of Elections - State of Delaware". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 8, 2002. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
- ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 2, 2004. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 7, 2006. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 4, 2008. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 2, 2010. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 6, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 7, 2014. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- ^ "State of Delaware Primary Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 8, 2016. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- ^ "State of Delaware General Election Official Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 6, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
External links
edit
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