UPDATE: Democratic candidates vying for District 20 seat to seek nomination at July 3rd Forum

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.- We are learning more about the five Democrats hoping to run in an expected Special Election for District 20. The seat is currently vacant following the resignation of Rep. Stell Parker Selby, who stepped down on June 23 citing ongoing health challenges. The Democrat selected will run against Republican Nikki Miller, who was selected Wednesday to be the GOP's nominee in the Special Election.

The five Democratic candidates looking to run for Parker Selby's seat will be speaking at a Representative District 20 forum July 3 at Lewes Public Library, hosted by the Delaware 20th Representative District (RD 20) Democratic Party Committee. The forum begins at 6:30 p.m.

Alonna Berry

Sussex County resident Alonna Berry currently works as the executive director of the Delaware Center for Justice, a nonprofit that provides legal assistance to low-income individuals and families, juvenile offenders, victims of crime, and seniors in need.

Berry is also the founder of the Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence, a free public charter school in Georgetown. 

She previously served as the Director of Community and Family Services and as a senior policy advisor for health, equity and education under former Delaware Governor John Carney. Berry also served as the state's first statewide trauma-informed care coordinator, which was established under Carney. 

According to a statement from Berry, she is focused on creating opportunity for every family to thrive. 

Joe Elder

Lewes councilman Joe Elder is one of the candidates taking part in Thursday Night's forum. According to his Lewes City Council biography, his family had a part-time residence in Lewes for 24 years before moving here permanently. Elder's biography lists multiple degrees and a history as a teacher, administrator, and professor.

Elder did not respond to Coast TV's request for comment on this article. 

Randi Meredith

Milton councilwoman Randi Meredith is running for the District 20 seat.

According to a statement from Meredith, if elected she aims to improve infrastructure for all vehicles, address issues within affordable housing and plan for potential federal cuts to Medicaid, education, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.

Meredith has been serving on the Milton Town Council since 2020 and has held roles such as Vice Mayor, chair of the Traffic Calming Advisory Ad Hoc committee, chair of Parks and Rec and is the current chair of the Streets and Sidewalks Committee.

Ruby Schaeffer

Ruby Schaeffer, a Lewes resident and small business owner, has also spent time in public service. Schaeffer previously worked in the Delaware Department of State Planning and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. 

If elected to represent District 20, Schaeffer aims to prioritizes infrastructure accountability.  Schaeffer has already filed to run for the seat in 2026.

"We have roads and bridges that need updating now, but aren’t slated to be improved for 10-15 years," Schaeffer wrote in a statement. "The residents of 20^th District demand immediate action."

Schaeffer also hopes to prioritize education reform, affordable housing, the primary care physicians shortage and limited mental health services. 

Keith Steck

Army veteran Keith Steck spent most of his career working in the Government Accountability Office, an independent non-partisan congressional support agency that audits, evaluates and investigates services for the United States Congress. 

After retiring to Sussex County Steck served on Milton's Board of Adjustment, and became more involved in activism in Sussex County after leaving the board. 

According to a statement from Steck, his activism addresses topics such as water pollution, environmental social justice and overdevelopment. 

The Sussex County Democratic Committee will select a nominee following the forum.

The Delaware Department of Elections has yet to set a date for the expected special election. First a writ of election must be issued.