Valerie J. Longhurst (born December 17, 1963) is an American politician. She was a Democratic member of the Delaware House of Representatives until 2024 and served as speaker her final two years in office.[1] She was first elected in 2004 to represent the 15th district, which covers parts of Bear, Delaware City, and St. Georges.
Val Longhurst | |
|---|---|
| Speaker of the Delaware House of Representatives | |
| In office June 30, 2023 – November 5, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Peter Schwartzkopf |
| Succeeded by | vacant |
| Majority Leader of the Delaware House of Representatives | |
| In office January 8, 2013 – June 30, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Peter Schwartzkopf |
| Succeeded by | Melissa Minor-Brown |
| Member of the Delaware House of Representatives from the 15th district | |
| In office November 3, 2004 – November 5, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Nancy Cook |
| Succeeded by | Kamela Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 17, 1963 Kewanee, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | West Chester University |
In the 2024 Democratic primary, Longhurst was defeated by progressive Kamela Smith.[2][3]
Career
editLonghurst began her career in the insurance industry and was formerly director of operations for AIG Insurance in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.[4]
Longhurst was first elected to the Delaware legislature in 2004 and served in the state House of Representatives for nearly two decades. Four years after her first election, she became the House minority whip and went on to serve as majority leader for elevan years before becoming speaker in her final term in office.
In 2016, she defeated Democratic challenger James Burton by 28 points in the primary election.[5] In 2018, she won the general election with 7,329 votes (87.9%) against Libertarian nominee Amy Merlino.[6] However, in the 2024 primary, Longhurst was defeated by progressive Democrat Kamala Jones, 53% to 47%.[7][8][9]
References
edit- ^ Chase, Randall (20 September 2024). "Delaware governor draws criticism from fellow Democrats for vetoing doctor-assisted suicide bill". The Seattle Times.
- ^ Brennan, Shane. "New Castle County state representative primary results: Speaker of the House upset". The News Journal. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
- ^ Edelen, Joseph (September 11, 2024). "Newcomer ousts Delaware House speaker in primary". Bay to Bay News.
- ^ "Rep. Valerie Longhurst Biography". dehousedems. State of Delaware. Retrieved July 26, 2017.
- ^ Petrowich, Sarah (12 September 2024). "How a new challenger beat the House Speaker, what it means for the future of progressive candidates". Delaware First Media.
- ^ "State of Delaware General Election Results". Office of the State Election Commissioner. Delaware Department of Elections. November 6, 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- ^ Brennan, Shane. "New Castle County state representative primary results: Speaker of the House upset". The News Journal. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
- ^ Edelen, Joseph (September 11, 2024). "Newcomer ousts Delaware House speaker in primary". Bay to Bay News.
- ^ Rainey, Doug (10 September 2024). "Meyer wins out over Hall-Long in race for governor; Carney wins mayor's race House Speaker loses race". Delaware Business Now.
External links
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