GEORGETOWN, Del. - Republican Valerie Jones Giltner is the winner of the special election held Thursday night to fill the vacant seat for District 37.
Giltner tallied an unofficial 1,805 votes, topping her Democratic challenger Jane Hovington. Hovington received 1,068 votes.
Jones Giltner will take her oath of office on the first day of the 2024 legislative session on Jan. 9 and will serve the time remaining on the pre-existing term, which ends Nov. 5, 2024. According to the Republican Caucus, Jones Giltner's priorities include maintaining secure classrooms and improving healthcare, among others.
This special election was necessary after Rep. Ruth Briggs King announced she was resigning back in November. King recently moved into a new house that was outside of District 37 lines.
For Republicans in the state this will be hailed as a key victory. Holding onto this seat helps them fend off a Democratic Supermajority. Even with the loss Democrats only need three more House seats in order to make that a reality.
