A third Democratic candidate has entered the race for Delaware’s sole House seat, setting the stage for what is likely to be a competitive primary election to replace Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).
Eugene Young, widely viewed as a rising star in Delaware politics, launched his House bid on Monday after months of hinting at a congressional run. He joins two other candidates who have already announced their campaigns, including state Sen. Sarah McBride and state Treasurer Colleen Davis.
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“We need to build a bridge to bring people and resources together. Neighbors who aren't afraid to stand up and fight for each other,” Young wrote in a statement. “And that’s why I’m running.”
Rochester announced in late June she would not seek reelection in the House, instead vying to replace Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), who is retiring from the seat he’s held since 2001. Rochester’s absence opens the state’s at-large House seat for the first time since she was elected in 2016, becoming the first woman and first black House member to represent Delaware.
Young first hinted earlier this summer that he would be interested in running for Congress. If elected, he would become the first black man to represent Delaware in Congress.
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Young has been viewed as a rising star in the Diamond State, particularly after being nominated to Gov. John Carney’s Cabinet as the director of the state Housing Authority earlier this year. In that position, Young says he’s been able to increase the state’s investment in affordable housing from $10 million to $122 million.
“I am making good on my promise to keep fighting for us,” he said. “Our fight starts here with each and every one of you.”