Delaware voters gave the GOP a new standard‑bearer on Tuesday as former Democratic state senator and pediatric anesthesiologist Mike Katz won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat. Katz defeated retired Army colonel John Shulli in a two‑way contest, earning the endorsement of the Delaware Republican Party and a place on the November 3 ballot against three‑term Democratic incumbent Sen. Chris Coons.
From Democrat to Republican
Katz first entered Delaware politics as a Democrat, winning election to the state Senate in 2008 and serving the 4th District until his 2012 defeat. After a brief independent run for the U.S. Senate in 2024, where he captured about 4% of the vote, he re‑registered as a Republican this year, citing an alignment with long‑held principles rather than a change in belief. “Re‑registering as a Republican was not a change in principle,” Katz told FOX 29, adding that his core values have remained consistent for decades.
Campaign focus
Katz’s campaign website emphasizes three pillars: lowering the cost of living, reforming health‑care, and protecting Delaware jobs while reducing federal spending. He frames his candidacy as a coalition effort, seeking support from Republicans, independents, and even Democratic voters who share his fiscal‑conservative outlook. “Our campaign is building a coalition of Republicans, Independents and Democratic voters to win this race in November to defeat Chris Coons,” he said in a campaign ad aired before the primary.
Historical context
The race carries significant historical weight. The GOP has not won a U.S. Senate seat in Delaware since Republican Sen. William Roth’s re‑election in 1994, making Katz’s bid a rare opportunity to break a three‑decade losing streak. While the state remains a deep‑blue stronghold, Katz hopes his bipartisan appeal and professional background will resonate with voters tired of partisan gridlock.
What lies ahead
With the primary decided, Katz now turns his attention to the general election. He will need to broaden his outreach beyond the Republican base, emphasizing his medical expertise and business experience while continuing to champion limited government and fiscal responsibility. The November contest will test whether Delaware’s electorate is ready to shift from a long‑standing Democratic hold on the Senate seat.
Key dates
- Primary election: Tuesday, September 10, 2026
- General election: November 3, 2026
- FEC filing deadline for 2026 Senate candidates: October 15, 2026
As the campaign season ramps up, local voters and community leaders will watch closely to see if Katz can translate his cross‑party message into a decisive victory for the Republican Party in Delaware.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
