A Message from Gene Truono, Chairman, Delaware Republican Party

October 2, 2026

Delaware Republican Party

Fellow Delaware Republicans,

As we enter the final weeks before the November 3, 2026 General Election, I want to provide an update on the work being done by the Delaware Republican Party and address several important issues that have arisen during this election cycle.

Protecting Election Integrity

The Delaware Republican Party supports enactment of the SAVE Act, legislation intended to establish federal requirements concerning proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration. The Party believes that election administration should include appropriate safeguards designed to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.

With Election Day approaching on November 3, 2026, the Party continues to advocate for election integrity measures and for transparent, secure election procedures.

Freedom of Speech and Candidate Forums

The First Amendment’s protection of freedom of speech is fundamental to our republic. Candidates participating in an election should be able to express their views on issues before voters, subject to the rules established by the organizations sponsoring candidate forums.

The recent removal of Republican congressional candidate Joe Arminio from a candidate forum following comments he made concerning his transgender opponent has raised legitimate questions about how political speech and candidate participation are being handle

Regardless of one’s position on the underlying issue, political candidates and voters benefit when candidates are given meaningful opportunities to present their positions and engage in open public debate. The Delaware Republican Party will continue to support opportunities for candidates to communicate directly with voters.

Candidate Forums and Debates

There has also been discussion within the Republican Party regarding the availability of candidate debates and public forums.

Contrary to assertions that the Delaware Republican Party has done nothing in this area, the Party has been actively working to establish additional televised and public candidate forums. Representatives of the Party have been in discussions with the University of Delaware, as well as local television and newspaper organizations, regarding opportunities for candidate debates and public discussions.

Party representatives have also met with the News Journal editorial board to discuss potential partnerships and opportunities going forward. Currently, the News Journal has indicated that it is not interested in participating in a U.S. Senate debate.

That decision is outside the control of the Delaware Republican Party.

It is therefore important that our candidates and members understand the distinction between what the Party can organize or facilitate and what individual media organizations ultimately decide to participate in.

Supporting Republican Candidates

The Delaware Republican Party’s responsibility is to build the infrastructure necessary to support Republican candidates throughout the state.

We encourage every Republican candidate to run an aggressive campaign, raise the resources necessary to communicate with voters, build a strong field operation, and utilize available voter data and analytics.

The Party has been providing candidates with access to data and analytical resources and is continuing to conduct its own voter contact and turnout operations for the November 3 election.

Our staff and volunteers are working with the Party’s voter data, technology, and organizational resources to identify Republican voters, communicate with them, and encourage participation in the election.

These efforts are being undertaken on behalf of the Republican ticket.

Work Ahead

There is no question that the final weeks of an election require an enormous amount of work. Candidates must campaign, raise money, communicate their messages, and turn out their supporters. The State Party must continue building the infrastructure and providing the resources necessary to complement those individual campaigns.

There will inevitably be disagreements within a political party about strategy, priorities, and execution. That is part of the political process. But claims that the Delaware Republican Party has simply “done nothing” do not accurately reflect the work being undertaken by the Party, its staff, committees, and volunteers.

Our focus now must remain on the November 3 election, supporting Republican candidates, communicating with voters, protecting the integrity of the electoral process, and maximizing participation.

I encourage every Republican to remain engaged, support the candidates of their choice, participate in the election, and make sure your voice is heard on November 3.

GET OUT AND VOTE!

The Delaware Republican Party will continue doing its part. Please contribute to the Delaware GOP so you can support us in doing our part for the candidates and for you, the Delaware voters.

Sincerely,

Gene Truono

Chairman,

Delaware Republican Party