Sussex County Republican Committee
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MESSAGES FROM THE GOP CHAIRMEN
Messages from Sussex GOP
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Messages from Delaware GOP
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January 19th message:
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What's UP?
DMV New Public Hours
January 27, 2026
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is updating our operational hours to better serve both our customers and employees.
Effective Monday, February 2, 2026, DMV will close to the public 30 minutes earlier to allow sufficient time for end-of-day processing and other required procedures.
Our updated hours will be:
Monday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Eligible services can be completed online through myDMV, available 24/7, at myDMV.delaware.gov.
Hours may vary based upon holidays.
Facing Funding Cutoff, Delaware Suddenly Claims It's Not a Sanctuary State
January 25, 2026
by Pat Droney, Law Enforcement Today, Editorial
DOVER, DE - The Trump administration has had it with sanctuary jurisdictions that refuse to give Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a modicum of assistance with enforcing the country’s immigration laws. Now, the administration has warned sanctuary cities and states that beginning Feb. 1, the money well is going to go dry. Apparently, that has caused Delaware lawmakers to soil themselves. Just as states like Connecticut and Massachusetts insist they are not sanctuary states, Delaware likewise claims it is not a sanctuary state. The proof, however, is in the pudding. After the White House announced federal funding would be cut off for any state or municipality that operates as a sanctuary for illegal aliens, Delaware state officials now moan that referring to the state as a sanctuary state “mischaracterizes” what they are trying to do to help state residents.
Laurel School District Referendum - Feb 9
January 21, 2026
Why now? Laurel hasn’t passed a current expense referendum in 40 years—that’s two full generations. During that time, costs, expectations, and student needs have grown, but local operating funding hasn’t kept pace. Vote February 9th — for the first time in 40 years. The Laurel School District invites community members to join them for a Referendum Information Night focused on sharing clear, factual information about the upcoming referendum. District leaders will provide an overview of the referendum, including key details and impacts, with opportunities for questions.
FOR THE RECORD & RECLAIMED GROUND MEDIA
For the Record is the official podcast of the Delaware State Senate Republican Caucus.
Click to check it out on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more!
Reclaimed Ground Media exists to change how Delaware sees Christian values and common sense — not as extreme or outdated, but as the moral and cultural foundation that unites the majority of people in our communities. We empower everyday Delawareans to speak boldly about faith, family, and freedom.
We’re building a Delaware based digital platform with the reach and influence of a national network media, podcasts and videos.
DE FAMILY POLICY COUNCIL
DELAWARE FAMILY POLICY COUNCIL
Our mission
REBUILDING | ADVOCATING | CULTIVATING
Mission
Rebuilding a culture of life, marriage, family, and religious freedom; Advocating for it through public policy and stewardship of government; and Cultivating effective and courageous leaders rooted in a Biblical worldview.
A message from Nicole Theis:
Sussex,
We're launching a podcast!
The purpose is to keep Delawareans like you encouraged, equipped, and informed.
The purpose of the Forged Podcast is to:
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Highlight real life examples of One Person making a difference in Delaware,
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Equip listeners for courageous conversations, and
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Alert Delawareans to opportunities to Advance Truth.
Please like, share, and subscribe to the "Forged" channel to help us grow the podcast.
Why the name FORGED?
Delaware is often referred to as The Diamond State. It was Founding Father Thomas Jefferson who, according to legend, referred to Delaware as a "jewel among the states." Diamonds are traditionally seen as a symbol of everlasting love due to their beauty, strength, and durability. Diamonds are created only under conditions of intense pressure. In other words - they are FORGED UNDER PRESSURE. Standing in courage will forge you. Delaware is a difficult state. Far left-leaning lawmakers, educators, and activists are racing towards making Delaware an epicenter of Neo-Marxism. This is a worldview hell-bent on expanding the role of government, rejecting the timeless values that strengthen families, and redefine what it means to be human. If you're living in Delaware, then your mission field is here - to your family, to your community, to this state.
Heading 6
THERE'S MORE!
GO TO DE BILL INSIGHTS UNDER THE LEGISLATION TAB
FOR MORE FROM DELAWARE FAMILY POLICY COUNCIL ON WHAT'S HAPPENING IN DOVER
MESSAGE FROM NICOLE THEIS, 12-11-2025
Hi Sussex,
I wanted to share with you this powerful new tool my team put together, just for you.
We're hearing it everywhere - parents shocked by the graphic content in their child's curricula, or the ways in which they're being shut out of the conversation.
This tool gives parents the full package to advocate for their children in the public school system.
Sussex, this has been our calling for the past 2 decades - advocating on behalf of parents in the public square.
In 2021, my team listened to and testified in the meeting where the Red Clay school board voted to become the second DE school district allowing students to access bathrooms, locker rooms, and other private spaces of the opposite sex.
They heard the board members state clearly that the "expert recommendation" is to intentionally lie to parents when their children struggle with gender identity or sexual orientation.
This why we do what we do - we recognize the threat, and we want to equip parents to protect their children.
FORGED: Episode 1, Oct 10, 2025
Interview with Christian Hodges
Christian Hodges had just returned from Charlie Kirk's historic memorial service. Christian is a 20-year-old supporter of Charlie Kirk's organization Turning Point USA, and an alumni of our DE Leadership Congress (Patriot Academy). He is a weekly consultant to the White House for GenZ engagement, and represents GenZ regularly on TV. If you partner with the mission of DFPC, you've heard us express these two mottos at every opportunity: One person, equipped and strategically placed, will take territory! A Win is when Truth is Advanced! Please listen for these two themes in action in this episode. There are several parts to this story - setting goals, mentorship, intentionality, cultivating and stewarding relationships, and the power of prayer. This is a great episode for follow-up discussion with the young ones in your life.
FORGED: Episode 5 of the Forged podcast is conversation with Jason McGuire
Jason McGuire is the President and Executive Director of New York Family Foundation and New York Family Action. He was targeted 🎯 by NY Attorney General Letitia James for doing what we do - standing for life, the family, and religious liberty in the public square.
There is a cost to standing with courage. Many would rather be indifferent and apathetic than stand. It's just easier, and it's how dangerous and wicked ideas are advanced. Most people cower so easily. Not Jason. And God has been with him every step of the way. What a story.
FORGED: Episode 4 of the Forged podcast is part 4 of the discussion: "the Sexualization of DE Children" and what to do about it!
FORGED: Episode 3 of the Forged podcast is part 2 of the discussion: "the Sexualization of DE Children" and what to do about it!
FORGED: Episode 2, Nov 5, 2025
P*rn in DE School Libraries?? with Karen England
CAESAR RODNEY INSTITUTE
CAESAR RODNEY INSTITUTE
A Delaware non-profit committed to protecting individual liberties. Their mission is to educate and inform constituents, legislators, and stakeholders on important issues that impact their livelihood.
Portions of the most recent articles from Caesar Rodney Institute are presented here with links to either the CRI website or blogs on sussex.gop for the full article.
For previous articles on energy, education, budget or policy see either the CRI website link above or previous blogs on sussex.gop.
Why Delaware’s Decoupling from Accelerated Depreciation Is a Strategic Mistake
Delaware’s decision to decouple from the federal accelerated depreciation rules (House Bill 255 as amended), which passed in November and was signed into law shortly thereafter, is being sold as a responsible way to “protect the budget.” In reality, it acts as a quiet tax hike on investment, signals that Delaware is willing to be less competitive, and reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of accelerated depreciation.
Accelerated Depreciation Is Not a “Bonus”
When a business buys a major asset – machinery, a truck fleet, a data center - or invests in research and development (R&D), it pays real cash up front. The tax code then determines when that cost can be deducted.
SNAP, Obesity and Delaware’s Health
December 23, 2025
By C.D. Casscells, M.D.
Director, Center for Health Policy
While more than a dozen states have received or sought the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waivers to restrict certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases beginning in 2026, Delaware has chosen not to pursue such an option. Those waivers allow states, with federal approval, to limit which foods and beverages may be purchased with SNAP benefits, including soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages.
Delaware’s Energy Crossroads:
Rising Demand, Shrinking Reliability
By Dr. David R. Legates, Ph.D.
CRI Contributor
December 17, 2025
In a companion explainer, “Understanding ‘the Grid’ that Powers Delaware,” I describe how the electric grid operates as a real- time, just-in-time system in which electricity must be produced and consumed almost instantaneously. That structure frames the challenges now confronting Delaware as electricity demand rises and state generation capacity continues to decline.
PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator responsible for electricity reliability across Delaware and much of the Mid-Atlantic, has warned that brownouts and blackouts could affect the grid as early as June 1, 2026, because people will be using significantly more electricity than before.
INSTITUTE ON THE CONSTITUTION
OFF SHORE WIND
Judge fails to recuse herself, clears path for offshore wind substation
Senate Bill 159 is currently being challenged by the County and Fenwick Island in Delaware Chancery Court. The supposed random case assignment by the Court, has the Chancellor Judge Kathaleen McCormick hearing that case. After Sussex County Council held their hearing, in December of 2024 and voted to block the conditional use permit for the US Wind project to land power cables at a property in Dagsboro, Senate Bill 159 was introduced by Delaware Senator Stephanie Hansen to usurp home rule from Sussex County.
Judge Kathaleen McCormick prior to her appointment to the court by former Governor John Carney (who signed the lease agreement for US Wind to land power cables at Delaware Seashore State Park), worked at the law firm Young Conaway Stargatt and Taylor in Wilmington from 2007 - 2018 and became partner of the firm in 2015. Primary Sponsor of Senate Bill 159, Senator Stephanie Hansen also worked at Young Conaway Stargatt and Taylor from 2005 - 2020. In 2016, Kathaleen McCormick made a political campaign contribution to Stephanie Hansen, under the Friends for Hansen campaign. See the donation to Friends for Hansen campaign made 12/27/16 by Kathaleen McCormick in the photos below.
The judge has a fiduciary duty to disqualify herself from the case brought over SB159 against the state, Governor Matt Meyer, and US Wind subsidiary, Renewable Redevelopment LLC due to conflicts of interest.
The judge ruled on Friday AGAINST the County and Fenwick Island's request for a temporary restraining order, to prohibit the bill and SB199 from taking effect on January 31st. When this happens, the conditional use permit for the US Wind Maryland offshore wind will automatically be issued to the developer for the cable landing at the substation in Dagsboro. This is happening all while multiple cases have been in limbo before the DNREC environmental appeals board and the suit over the project in Maryland district court.
The Trump Administration Protects U.S. National Security by Pausing Offshore Wind Leases
December 22, 2025
U.S. Department of the Interior
WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior announced today that it is pausing—effective immediately—the leases for all large-scale offshore wind projects under construction in the United States due to national security risks identified by the Department of War in recently completed classified reports. This pause will give the Department, along with the Department of War and other relevant government agencies, time to work with leaseholders and state partners to assess the possibility of mitigating the national security risks posed by these projects.
“The prime duty of the United States government is to protect the American people,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Today’s action addresses emerging national security risks, including the rapid evolution of the relevant adversary technologies, and the vulnerabilities created by large-scale offshore wind projects with proximity near our east coast population centers. The Trump administration will always prioritize the security of the American people.”
Link to blog for full article
Why Local Control Is Now a Legal Question
December 17, 2025
Sussex GOP
Additional comment from Matt Lloyd has been updated to the blog and is shown below
Yesterday, the Sussex County Council voted to authorize counsel to pursue judicial review related to SB 159, legislation enacted by the Delaware General Assembly that alters the application of state authority over local land-use determinations.
The Council’s action seeks a court-ordered pause on the law’s implementation prior to its scheduled effective date of January 31. The intent of this request is to allow the judiciary to assess whether SB 159 lawfully preempts prior county decisions, including Sussex County’s earlier determination regarding the proposed landing of offshore transmission infrastructure associated with US Wind.
From a procedural standpoint, the timing of judicial review carries practical implications.
Link to blog for full article
This update was also posted on Sussex GOP Facebook. Matt Lloyd made the following comment on that post:
The reason for my abstention was that I was not fully comfortable with the language as read in the motion, as I did not believe it positioned us for the strongest likelihood of success. In my view, the wording required further refinement to ensure the best possible chance of a favorable outcome. After conducting additional research, I am satisfied that the motion, as presented, was appropriate, and I am now comfortable with the path forward. I am pleased that it passed and hopeful for a favorable outcome in the litigation.
Judge Rules Against US Wind — What Happens Next May Surprise You
December 19, 2025
38th District & Southern Delaware Republican Club
Offshore Wind: A Court Win, But the Fight Is Far From Over
This week, WBOC published an article announcing that a federal judge denied US Wind’s request for a preliminary injunction. Ocean City quickly declared the ruling a “complete victory,” and in this narrow sense, they are right. But while this decision is an important step, it is not the end of the battle over US Wind’s offshore project. The permit to build offshore wind turbines off the coast of Fenwick Island and Ocean City is still valid, the cables may come ashore beginning January 31 under SB 159, and many legal uncertainties remain. To understand what truly happened, we need to look closely at the ruling, the lawsuit, and what the federal government is doing behind the scenes.
US Wind Still Holds a Valid Federal Permit
Despite the dramatic headlines, nothing in the ruling revoked or suspended US Wind’s Construction and Operations Plan (COP). That federal permit remains fully in effect. Legally, once SB 159 takes effect at the end of January, US Wind will be authorized to bring its cables ashore in Delaware.
Federal judge denies US Wind’s preliminary injunction request against Trump Administration
BREAKING NEWS
from WBOC, Sean Curtis
December 15, 2025
OCEAN CITY, Md. - Offshore energy company US Wind’s request for a federal judge to place a preliminary injunction against the Trump Administration from taking any action to undermine their proposed project off Delmarva has been denied, according to court documents acquired by WBOC.
US Wind first filed their motion for a preliminary injunction in October, arguing the Trump Administration would take any avenue necessary to revoke the project’s Construction and Operations Plan, previously greenlit by the Biden Administration, if the court did not intervene. The proposed injunction would have been in place until Ocean City’s lawsuit challenging the offshore project had been resolved.
Federal judge denies Trump Administration’s attempt to withdraw US Wind approval
December 5, 2025
A WBOC
Exclusive
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Photo is a rendering of US Winds project as seen from Ocean City 84th St courtesy of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
OCEAN CITY, Md. - A federal judge has denied a motion by the Trump Administration to remand and vacate the previous Biden Administration’s approval of US Wind's proposed project off the coast of Delmarva, according to court documents obtained by WBOC. U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland Judge Stephanie Gallagher’s order, handed down on Thursday, Dec. 4, is the latest development in an ongoing lawsuit filed by Ocean City and numerous other local plaintiffs against the federal government’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, then under the Biden Administration, over its approval of US Wind’s proposed project.