Delaware Senate race

D Democratic Chris Coons

Supports federal investments and tax relief

Coons focuses on lowering everyday expenses for families, expanding workforce training, and protecting labor rights. He supported major Democratic legislation including the Inflation Reduction Act, the American Rescue Plan, and bipartisan tax relief while opposing Republican budget reconciliations that reduced spending on social programs. He emphasizes supporting American manufacturing and innovation to maintain global competitiveness.

• Voted Yea on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319).
• Voted Yea on the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 (H.R. 7024).
• Voted Yea on the No Tax on Tips Act (S.129) by unanimous consent.
• Voted Nay on President Trump's reconciliation bill (H.R.1) and fiscal year budget resolutions.

“Chris believes that in order for our country to succeed, we need a strong floor and no ceiling, so every Delawarean has the opportunity to build a better future for them and their family.”

“His unlawful tariffs spiked the costs of everyday expenses, making life even harder for families trying to get by.”

R Republican Michael Katz

Opposes federal spending and tax hikes

Katz advocates for reining in inflation by halting federal spending, making permanent pro-growth tax cuts, and cutting regulations. He proposes opposing any new taxes on working families and protecting seniors on fixed incomes from inflation. He also supports strategic tariffs and supply-chain independence to restore domestic manufacturing.

• Calls to halt wasteful federal spending and demand structural accountability in the federal budget.
• Introduced legislation (SB 100) as a Delaware State Senator to reform corporate burdens and retain employers.
• Supports making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act pro-growth tax cuts permanent and enacting strategic tariffs to bring manufacturing home.

“Inflation isn't an accident; it is the direct symptom of reckless, unchecked federal spending.”

“In business, if you continuously run a massive deficit without a path to viability, you go bankrupt. Yet Washington insiders like Chris Coons continue to run our nation's balance sheet like a failed enterprise...”

D Democratic Chris Coons

Defends Affordable Care Act and Medicaid

Coons advocates for expanding healthcare access by protecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid from spending cuts. He voted for the Inflation Reduction Act to enable Medicare drug price negotiations and extend ACA subsidies. He also focuses on protecting Delaware hospital funding and reducing emergency department overcrowding.

• Voted Yea on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to allow Medicare drug price negotiations and extend ACA subsidies.
• Voted Nay on President Trump's reconciliation bill (H.R.1), citing its cuts to Medicaid programs.
• Voted Yea on S.2882 to permanently extend expanded ACA premium tax credits and fund Medicaid.

“His so-called Big Beautiful Bill slashed access to Medicaid, jeopardizing the health care of thousands of Delawareans.”

“Chris believes everyone should have access to quality, affordable health care, which is why he has fought against Trump’s threats to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.”

R Republican Michael Katz

Supports market reforms and preventive care

Drawing on forty years as a physician and healthcare executive, Katz emphasizes shifting system incentives from sick care to disease prevention. He advocates reforming prescription drug pricing, expanding rural healthcare access in Kent and Sussex counties, and integrating mental health into primary care. He also proposes breaking down regulatory silos between non-profit, academic, and for-profit health systems.

• Proposes dedicated rural health initiatives to put specialists and primary care doctors within reach in Kent and Sussex counties.
• Advocates for prescription drug pricing reform that protects patients without stifling research innovation.
• Focuses on population health, prenatal care, and integrating mental health into primary care and secondary education.

“We need a fundamental shift—from simply treating illness to preventing it.”

“I am the only candidate in this race who can walk into a Senate committee hearing on healthcare and know, from experience, whether what's being said is true.”

D Democratic Chris Coons

Supports comprehensive reform and ICE oversight

Coons supports comprehensive immigration reform combined with enforcement of existing laws and federal accountability. He voted for the bipartisan Border Act of 2024 to enhance border security capabilities, while voting against the Laken Riley Act. He has also authored legislation to establish an independent oversight body for ICE and restrict enforcement actions in sensitive areas like schools and hospitals.

• Voted Yea on the Border Act of 2024 (S.4361) to expand border enforcement capabilities.
• Voted Nay on the Laken Riley Act (S.5) requiring mandatory DHS detention for undocumented immigrants arrested for theft crimes.
• Introduced legislation to create an oversight body for ICE and bar immigration enforcement in schools and hospitals.

“He has introduced legislation to create an oversight body to monitor abuses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and prevent those officers from entering vulnerable locations, such as schools and hospitals.”

R Republican Michael Katz

Supports wall construction and strict enforcement

Katz advocates for full physical and operational control of the southern border by completing wall construction and reinstating the 'Remain in Mexico' policy. He proposes designating international drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations to combat fentanyl trafficking and passing the SAVE Act to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. He also supports withholding federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions.

• Supports completing physical southern border wall construction and deploying advanced surveillance technology.
• Calls for designating drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations to disrupt fentanyl supply lines.
• Proposes withholding federal grants from sanctuary cities and mandating workplace verification systems.

“We cannot have a serious conversation about comprehensive immigration reform until we establish complete physical control of our borders.”

“Right now, our southern border is in a state of operational crisis.”

D Democratic Chris Coons

Supports expanding federal housing investments

Coons emphasizes expanding federal housing investments, reforming rental assistance, and increasing incentives for first-time homebuyers. He has secured over $100 million in federal funding for affordable housing initiatives in Delaware and opposes tariffs that inflate building material costs.

• Secured over $100 million in federal funds to invest in affordable housing projects across Delaware.
• Leads Senate efforts to reform rental assistance, expand homeowner incentives, and streamline federal housing programs.
• Opposes tariffs that increase building costs and drive up the price of new homes.

“In the Senate, Chris is leading the way to reform rental assistance, expand homeowner incentives, and streamline complicated federal programs.”

“Chris has secured over $100 million in federal funds to invest in affordable housing initiatives across Delaware.”

R Republican Michael Katz

Supports deregulating construction and tax incentives

Katz addresses housing affordability by eliminating federal regulatory barriers that raise construction costs and partnering on local zoning reforms. He advocates targeted federal tax incentives and lending standards for first-time homebuyers, pointing out that Delaware's median home price surged 53% over five years.

• Proposes eliminating federal regulatory barriers that drive up housing construction costs.
• Advocates targeted tax incentives, lending standards, and construction support for first-time homebuyers.
• Supports zoning reform partnerships and reducing compliance costs to expand affordable housing supply.

“Delaware's median home price surged from $221,100 in 2018 to $339,400 in 2023, a 53% increase in just five years.”

“Eliminate federal barriers that drive up the cost of housing construction.”

D Democratic Chris Coons

Supports strong foreign alliances and foreign aid

As senior Democrat on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Coons advocates for robust military readiness, standing with international allies, and competing with China. He consistently votes for annual defense authorization acts and emergency supplemental aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

• Voted Yea on National Defense Authorization Acts for FY2026, FY2024, FY2023, and FY2022.
• Voted Yea on emergency supplemental appropriations (H.R. 815) providing foreign aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
• Serves as Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

“Around the world, Trump is making us less safe by alienating our allies and pushing them closer to China’s sphere of influence.”

“He is the senior Democrat for Defense Appropriations in the Senate, where he has delivered investments for our troops and ensured America stands ready to face the battles of tomorrow.”

R Republican Michael Katz

Supports military modernization and strong deterrence

Katz supports rebuilding American military strength through full readiness funding, cybersecurity upgrades, and modernizing armed forces. He advocates standing firm against foreign adversaries, securing critical supply chains, and demanding fair reciprocity in international trade.

• Advocates fully funding military readiness, next-generation defense technologies, cybersecurity, and missile defense.
• Supports strategic tariffs and incentives to secure domestic supply chains for defense, technology, and energy.
• Focuses on improving military recruitment, retention, and leadership training.

“Peace is preserved through strength. A strong military deters aggression, protects our allies, and safeguards America's interests around the world.”

D Democratic Chris Coons

Supports expanding toxic exposure benefits and VA care

Coons supported landmark legislation expanding healthcare access and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. He consistently votes for military construction and veterans affairs funding bills in the Senate.

• Voted Yea on the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson PACT Act of 2022 (S. 3373) for toxic-exposed veterans.
• Voted Yea on annual Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bills.

R Republican Michael Katz

Supports building new Southern Delaware VA facility

Katz makes veterans' care a central campaign priority, pledging to initiate action within his first 90 days to build a new VA advanced-care medical facility in Southern Delaware. He champions specific legislative proposals including the Major Richard Star Act to eliminate disability pay offsets, the 3R Act for family caregivers, and the Love Lives On Act for remarrying surviving spouses.

• Pledges to begin resolving the lack of an advanced-care VA facility in Kent/Sussex counties within his first 90 days in office.
• Champions the Major Richard Star Act to eliminate the offset between military retirement pay and VA disability compensation.
• Supports the 3R Act for veteran caregivers and the Love Lives On Act for surviving spouses.

“The only advanced-care VA medical facility in Delaware is in Wilmington. That is unacceptable and resolvable.”

“As Delaware's next U.S. Senator, I will begin to resolve this within my first ninety days in office.”

D Democratic Chris Coons

Supports judicial ethics reform and ethics oversight

As Vice Chairman of the Select Committee on Ethics, Coons emphasizes leading with integrity and restoring public trust in government. He advocates for judicial ethics reform and opposes attempts to weaponize federal agencies or undermine the Department of Justice.

• Serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics.
• Passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405) by unanimous consent to require public disclosure of DOJ records.
• Advocates for legislative reforms to judicial ethics and judicial selection transparency.

“Chris is committed to leading with integrity and rebuilding a sense of fairness in our system, from holding his colleagues accountable as the Vice Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee to legislating on judicial ethics reforms.”

R Republican Michael Katz

Supports congressional term limits and anti-weaponization

Katz pledges to introduce a constitutional amendment establishing congressional term limits on his first day in office. He advocates ending the weaponization of government by dismantling two-tiered justice at the DOJ and FBI, criminalizing government-tech censorship collusion, and requiring congressional approval for major agency rules.

• Pledges to introduce a constitutional amendment for congressional term limits on day one.
• Signed the U.S. Term Limits Pledge.
• Calls to dismantle two-tiered justice, empower independent Inspectors General, and criminalize government collusion with tech companies for censorship.

“On my first day in the U.S. Senate, I will introduce a constitutional amendment establishing congressional term limits.”

“I stand firmly with President Trump in the fight to dismantle this corrupt, two-tiered system of justice.”

D Democratic Chris Coons

Supports clean energy transition to combat climate change

Coons views climate change as a generational threat, particularly for low-lying Delaware. He advocates for federal clean energy technology investments, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and implementing climate resilience measures.

• Voted Yea on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act, investing in clean energy infrastructure and grid upgrades.
• Advocates for clean energy technological innovations to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

“Delaware is our country’s lowest-lying state, and Chris knows that climate change represents a generational threat to our state, our country, and the entire planet.”

R Republican Michael Katz

Supports American energy dominance and nuclear power

Katz advocates for American energy dominance to drive down utility costs and stabilize the electrical grid. He supports a diversified energy strategy including advanced nuclear power under the ADVANCE Act, while emphasizing the protection of Delaware's coastal environment without pricing families out of their homes.

• Supports unlocking American energy dominance and a diversified energy strategy including nuclear power (ADVANCE Act).
• Proposes making Delaware an energy innovation hub for self-produced clean energy.
• Emphasizes protecting Delaware's clean water, air, beaches, and open spaces from adverse energy grid decisions.

“We must unlock American energy dominance to lower prices at the pump and stabilize the electrical grid.”

“I support a diversified, reliable energy strategy — including safe nuclear power with the right safeguards — to meet long-term demand and drive down utility bills.”

D Democratic Chris Coons

Supports police funding and community rehabilitation

Coons co-chairs the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus and focuses on increasing funding and resources for police officers. He supports stricter gun violence prevention measures while advocating for justice and rehabilitation systems that serve local communities effectively.

• Serves as Co-Chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus.
• Supports increased federal funding for local police departments, tactical resources, and crime prevention.
• Focuses on balancing law enforcement support with justice system reforms and rehabilitation.

“As co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, he has worked to increase resources for local law enforcement, enforcing stricter gun violence prevention measures, and ensuring justice and rehabilitation systems serve communities effectively.”

R Republican Michael Katz

Supports strict law enforcement and mandatory penalties

Katz takes a zero-tolerance approach to violent crime by fully funding and equipping law enforcement and increasing federal penalties. He supports withholding federal grant funds from progressive jurisdictions and rogue prosecutors who fail to enforce criminal laws.

• Calls to fully fund and equip law enforcement with advanced tactical resources and legal protections.
• Supports increasing federal penalties for violent crime and expanding local police recruitment.
• Proposes withholding federal grants from sanctuary jurisdictions and rogue prosecutors.

“The primary, constitutional duty of government is to secure the domestic tranquility and protect the lives of its citizens.”

D Democratic Chris Coons

Supports workforce training and public education funding

Coons focuses on expanding federal funding for education and job training programs to ensure American workers remain globally competitive. He advocates for investments in technical education, manufacturing skills, and protecting organized labor pensions.

• Voted Yea on the CHIPS and Science Act (H.R. 4346) to fund domestic semiconductor manufacturing and scientific workforce programs.
• Advocates for expanded federal investments in career and technical education and apprenticeship initiatives.
• Endorsed by the Delaware State Education Association (DSEA).

“Chris is a leader in the Senate for investments in education and workforce training programs that make sure Americans can compete in the global economy and win the 21st century.”

R Republican Michael Katz

Supports early childhood expansion and workforce alignment

Katz advocates for expanding access to quality early childhood education to close readiness gaps before kindergarten. He proposes aligning education curricula with skilled trades, healthcare, and technical roles, while directing federal Title I funds to underperforming schools to close zip-code achievement gaps.

• Calls to expand early childhood education to ensure kindergarten readiness across all socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Proposes aligning high school and secondary curricula with modern workforce demands in healthcare and skilled trades.
• Directs Title I and federal block grant funding to low-performing schools in Delaware.

“Every child's future is determined by their potential, not their address.”

“In Delaware, a child's odds of academic success still correlate too closely with their parents' address. That is a structural failure, not an inevitability...”

D Democratic Chris Coons

Supports expanding voter access and federal voting rights

Coons supports federal legislation to protect and expand voting rights, ease voter registration, and ensure equal access to the ballot. He opposes restrictive voting laws and supports federal standards to safeguard democracy.

• Supports federal legislation to protect voting rights and expand access to mail-in and early voting.
• Opposes state-level proof-of-citizenship requirements and restrictions on mail voting.

R Republican Michael Katz

Supports mandatory proof of citizenship and SAVE Act

Katz champions passing the SAVE Act to mandate documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. He supports nationwide photo ID requirements, auditing state voter rolls against federal databases, and restricting mail-in voting to verified exceptions, while making Election Day a federal holiday with free transportation.

• Endorses the SAVE Act requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections.
• Mandates active auditing of voter registration rolls against DHS and Social Security databases.
• Supports nationwide photo ID requirements, free federal IDs for low-income voters, free Election Day transit, and making Election Day a federal holiday.

“A country cannot maintain its sovereignty if it does not secure its borders, and it cannot maintain its liberty if it does not secure its ballot boxes.”

“The SAVE Act closes the self-attestation loophole by mandating that individuals must provide tangible, documentary proof of U.S. citizenship... when registering to vote in federal elections.”

D Democratic Chris Coons

Supports strict gun control and red flag laws

Coons strongly supports federal gun control legislation, including stricter gun violence prevention laws, red flag rules, and universal background checks. He is endorsed by major gun control advocacy groups including Giffords PAC and Moms Demand Action.

• Endorsed by Giffords PAC and Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate.
• Voted against CRA resolution (H.J.Res. 44) opposing ATF stabilizing brace regulations.
• Supports stricter gun violence prevention measures and federal red flag laws.

“...enforcing stricter gun violence prevention measures, and ensuring justice and rehabilitation systems serve communities effectively.”

R Republican Michael Katz

Opposes red flag laws and federal registries

Katz firmly opposes federal and state 'Red Flag' laws, arguing they violate due process and Second Amendment rights. He opposes federal firearm registries, universal background check mandates on private transfers, and mandatory waiting periods, while calling to enforce existing laws and reform mental health infrastructure.

• Endorsed by the Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association (DSSA).
• Opposes state and federal Red Flag gun confiscation frameworks as violations of Second and Fifth Amendment due process.
• Opposes federal firearm registries, universal background checks on private family transfers, and mandatory waiting periods.

“The Second Amendment is not a second-class right, nor is it a regulatory option that can be altered by bureaucratic whim.”

“'Red Flag' gun confiscation orders are a direct violation of both the Second and Fifth Amendments.”

D Democratic Chris Coons

Supports codifying federal abortion rights

Coons is a fierce defender of reproductive rights and supports codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law. He voted for the Women's Health Protection Act and the Right to IVF Act, and is endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

• Voted Yea on the Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 (H.R. 3755) to prohibit state restrictions on abortion.
• Voted Yea on the Right to IVF Act (S. 4445) to codify nationwide access to in vitro fertilization.
• Endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

“Chris is also a fierce defender of our constitutional rights, including protecting access to reproductive health care.”

R Republican Michael Katz

Supports restricting women's sports to biological females

Katz advocates for preserving Title IX protections by establishing clear federal eligibility standards for women's sports based on biological sex. He emphasizes protecting equal athletic opportunities, female scholarships, and athlete safety in contact sports.

• Supports legislation defining eligibility for women's sports based on biological sex under Title IX.
• Focuses on preserving athletic scholarships, roster spots, and championships for biological female athletes.
• Emphasizes athlete physical safety in contact and collision sports.

“Every girl deserves the opportunity to compete on a fair and level playing field.”

“Support legislation that defines eligibility for women's sports based on biological sex where federal law applies...”