The media gave the Democrats the opportunity to respond to news of the 2026 Contract with Delaware Voters. Following are their quotes and Senator Richardson's responses in bold.

 

Sen. Trey Paradee, D-Del., said he disagrees with parts of the contract, including its proposed restrictions on reproductive rights.

 

The Respect for Women Act (also known as the Women's Right to Know Ultrasound Act) gives women the information they need to make an informed choice. This is not a restriction.

 

The Democrats call the death of unborn children ‘reproductive rights’ and passed Senate Bill 5 this year, allowing abortions even after viability.

The Democrats have shown a callous disregard for the lives of innocent pre-born.

 

Paradee said Democrats instead want to focus on lowering energy and health care costs, improving public schools, strengthening the economy and creating what he called a more inclusive Delaware.

 

Some noble goals, Senator Paradee! Since your party has been in charge for decades now, Democrats are responsible for high energy and medical costs, the poor performance of the public schools, and a weak economy.

 

More inclusive? Please explain. Does that mean allowing boys in girls’ sports? This is something every Democrat voted to allow.

 

Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend said another Democratic priority is ensuring corporations pay what he described as their fair share.

 

Fair share? Thanks to the Democrats the state enacted House Bill 400, which increases many of the fees and taxes paid by Corporations.

 

This comes at a time when high-profile corporations are leaving Delaware for Texas and Nevada. In a time of elevated competition, increasing fees is not a good way to do business.

 

Senate Townsend said the two parties are now outlining different priorities ahead of the next legislative session, with affordability, energy, health care, education and other policy issues expected to remain part of the debate.

 

To suggest that we will be having a debate with an imbalance of power on the Democrat side is disingenuous. The Democrats have repeatedly told us they do not need our votes. End of discussion.

 

Again, as the majority party, the Democrats own the problems with affordability, high energy and medical costs, and poor education rankings. Debate would be meaningful and productive, but only if there are people on both sides of the table willing to listen and respond respectfully.