GEORGETOWN, Del. - After over a decade of dedicated service, State Rep. Ruth Briggs King (R-Georgetown/Millsboro) has announced her resignation from the Delaware House of Representatives, effective immediately.
Briggs King, elected in September 2009 during a Special Election following the departure of former State Rep. Joe Booth, revealed her decision, expressing readiness for a new chapter. "Today, I am ready to embark on my next challenge and change that will allow me to explore, learn, and better serve my community," she stated.
The resignation comes after 14 years of public service, prompting Briggs King to step down from the legislature to move into her new residence just over the district line from the 37th District, soon becoming a resident of the 35th District.
Briggs King said, "To many, this is no surprise since I have been candid and open about the impending changes. As you may know, the 37th District has changed as a result of the recent redistricting, and the lines have moved three times since my first election."
She expressed hope that her successor would uphold key values in elected office, emphasizing "quality constituent services, protecting our Constitutional rights, and promoting good governance."
Per state law, the chairperson of the county committee for each political party must nominate a candidate for the Special Election to replace Briggs King.
During the 2023 legislative session, Briggs King served on various House committees, including Joint Finance, Appropriations, Health & Human Development, Corrections, Judiciary, Public Safety & Homeland Security, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs. She undertook significant assignments, contributing to workers’ compensation reform, prevailing wage reform, financial literacy, and various task forces.
Briggs sponsored "Aiden’s Law," legislation aimed at protecting infants born with symptoms consistent with prenatal drug exposure, inspired by the tragic death of 8-month-old Aiden Hundley in 2015.
Her advocacy included efforts to preserve the historic Richard Allen School in Georgetown and support for the Hispanic community during the challenges of the pandemic.
As per state law, the Speaker of the House must issue a Writ of Election within 10 days of the vacancy, triggering a Special Election scheduled 30-35 days after the writ's issuance.