DOVER, Del.- Democratic dominance in the First State is raising concern for one lawmaker. The Milford Republican is worried the upcoming election could give Democrats too much power in the General Assembly.
There is already a supermajority in the State Senate, with six Republican senators and 15 Democrats. In the House, it's 26-14 with one vacancy.
State Representative Bryan Shupe (R-Milford) said if the majority party secures just three more seats, Democrats will be able to pass bills and amendments without a fight.
"This upcoming election cycle could allow the majority to change the Delaware Constitution without any opposition from the minority party," he asserted.
While voting booths won't open for another year, Shupe believes the stakes are going to be incredibly high.
"It is very scary to think that one party could look at their own politics and infuse into the Delaware Constitution without any opposition," Shupe said. "The minority party represents hundreds of thousands of people in the state of Delaware."
Although Travis Williams, the Deputy Director with Delaware's Democratic Party, called Shupe's message disingenuous. "We have earned the votes of Delawareans," he said, noting how there are rules in place meant to ensure fairness.
"On things like committees, legislative counsel, and on certain votes for budget and amendments, it's not like they are being completely shut out," Williams added.
Political Science Professor Sam Hoff from Delaware State University weighed in on the situation, suggesting that a supermajority could pose challenges.
"Just because the Democrats are in the majority doesn't mean they are always doing progressive things that everyone is in favor of," Hoff remarks, emphasizing the potential pitfalls of an overwhelming majority.
Shupe is suggesting people consider candidates separate from their party affiliation. "Don't get distracted by national politics and don't think about Democrat or Republican, but look at the person that is running, look at what they've done in the community and what they plan to do when they're in that office," he advised.
There is a special election planned for Dec. 21 to replace Republican Representative Ruth Briggs King of Georgetown. With one Democrat and one Republican in the running, the special election could be a stepping stone toward either reinforcing or challenging the existing political dynamics in the state.