State Representative Dave Bentz will announce today that he is not running for reelection in 2022. I have heard that several people tried to talk him out of it, to no avail. Mr. Bentz represents the 18th Representative District, which is pictured below. In my opinion, this is a district that can be easily divided and added to its neighboring districts if a seat needs to be sent downstate due to redistricting.
Representative Bentz’s statement is below. Losing Mr. Bentz is a loss to the General Assembly and to Delaware because he was a workhorse and not a showhorse. He put his head down and looked for solutions to our problems. We are going to miss that, and we will need his colleagues to step up and fill the void his departure will leave.
“For the past six years, I’ve had the privilege and honor to serve the residents of the 18th District in the House of Representatives. Starting out as a legislative aide for the district gave me perspective into the issues facing the community, and I worked to address those problems every day as a representative.
“However, after careful consideration and consultation with my family, I have decided that it would be best to step away from elected office. I will not be running for re-election in 2022. I wanted to make this announcement early so that any potential candidates have plenty of time to explore their options and plan.
“Since I was first elected, I have always been focused on results. In addition to addressing the everyday issues affecting my constituents, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to combat gun violence through the Beau Biden Gun Violence Prevention Act and the Lethal Violence Protection Order, and to improve the quality, affordability, and accessibility of healthcare to Delawareans. Most recently, we have codified telehealth services in Delaware, which will make a huge difference for people struggling with access to care and taken steps to improve access to critical primary and mental health care services.
“This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one for myself and my family, and by making this announcement now, it gives our district time to find and eventually elect someone who will be a positive force for the community. I would like to extend the sincerest thanks to my family, friends, colleagues, and the residents of the 18th District for their support.”
This is a major loss for Delaware. Dave Bentz quietly showed up with his eyes on thinking big about solutions to some of our tougher problems around gun safety and health care reform and expansion. And he was really effective too. He showed up every day looking to serve and better his community — building one of the best resumes in Dover for getting things done. Dave Bentz is a model change agent — laser focused on bettering his community and unconcerned about the photo ops. While I’m sad he is leaving, he does leave with one of the best progressive track records in Dover.
Best of everything to you and your family, Dave!