Legislators Graded on Their Support of Businesses

August 20, 2026

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) released a legislative scorecard this week that reviewed how members of the 153rd General Assembly voted on legislation affecting the business community.

The DSCC’s “How They Voted” tracked lawmakers’ votes on 19 pieces of legislation that received votes on the House or Senate floor, and on which the State Chamber took a formal position.

"Good public policy starts with informed discussion," said Delaware State Chamber of Commerce President Michael J. Quaranta. "Our purpose is to present the facts, encourage accountability, and help connect the decisions made in Legislative Hall with the future we're building for Delaware."

The measures tracked in the scorecard covered a wide range of issues, including banking modernization, personal data privacy, housing, organized retail theft, and data centers.

Based on how often a legislator's votes matched the position supported by the Chamber, grades from “A” to “F” were awarded.

Of the 62 state lawmakers, only two achieved a grade of A: State Rep. Lyndon Yearick (R-Camden, Woodside) and State House Republican Whip Jeff Spiegelman (R-Townsend, Smyrna, Clayton). Among the remaining 60 legislators, only five scored the next highest awarded grade of B+: State Reps. Valerie Jones Giltner (R-Georgetown), Ron Gray (R-Selbyville), Mike Smith (R-Pike Creek Valley) & Jesse Vanderwende (R-Bridgeville, Greenwood), and State Sen. Gerald Hocker (R-Ocean View).

"Too many lawmakers view business owners as adversaries instead of partners,” Rep. Yearick said. “I have always believed that viable, dynamic businesses are one of the cornerstones of a healthy community. They don't just provide the goods and services we rely on; they provide jobs that sustain thousands of Delaware families. Supporting prudent policies that help our businesses succeed ultimately benefits all of us."

If the results of the DSCC’s 2025 Stakeholder Survey are indicative, business owners and operators are unconvinced that state government supports their efforts. In that poll, only 18% of respondents believed the General Assembly prioritizes the needs of Delaware's business community. Additionally, 49% ranked government regulations and mandates as the biggest barrier facing Delaware businesses.

“I am proud to have my voting record recognized by Delaware’s largest business organization, representing thousands of people in this state who risk their assets creating countless opportunities for everyone,” said Rep. Spiegelman. “If I have a regret about this year’s scorecard, it’s that 40 lawmakers, nearly two-thirds of all legislators, scored a “C” or worse. More legislators need to look at businesses not as taxable assets, but as the engines needed to drive our economy forward.”

Click here to access the complete scorecard.