Kathy Jennings is the attorney general of Delaware.
As the state’s attorney general, I have devoted my career to protecting our communities, advocating for equal justice and ensuring that every Delawarean feels safe in his or her home and neighborhood. Delaware has made great strides — but I know firsthand that this has been an uphill battle and that we owe our success to champions who showed the courage, tenacity and leadership to get the job done.
That’s why I was proud to endorse Sen. Sarah McBride, D-Wilmington, from day 1 in her campaign to represent Delaware in the U.S. Congress.
Sarah and I share more than just a commitment to public safety; we share a deep-rooted connection to the city of Wilmington. We both grew up there — a city home to rich history, strong community and significant challenges. For decades, Wilmington has grappled with violent crime, poverty and the systemic inequalities that exacerbate these issues. But, thanks to the work of leaders like Sen. McBride, we are finally witnessing major progress in Wilmington and across our state.
Throughout her tenure in the state Senate, Sarah has been a steadfast advocate for policies that promote public safety, responsible gun ownership and justice for all. Sarah understands that true safety comes not just from law enforcement but also from addressing root causes, like poverty, lack of opportunity and systemic inequality. She has championed legislation that strengthens the social safety net for Delaware workers, parents and caregivers; that expands access to mental health services; that supports reentry programs for the formerly incarcerated; and that makes our criminal justice system more fair and equal.
Sarah has also been an unapologetic advocate for gun safety at a time when guns are the leading cause of death for children in our country. For years, the gun lobby’s influence in Dover, as much as in Washington, D.C., blocked commonsense reform and put industry profits over people’s lives. But, thanks in large part to Sarah and a new generation of leaders, we are finally turning the tide. Sarah has helped pass landmark gun safety laws that keep firearms out of the hands of those who should not have them, while preserving the rights of responsible gun owners. Her work in the state Senate was instrumental in passing legislation that requires training for handgun owners, strengthens background checks, enforces lethal-violence protection orders and provides resources for communities affected by gun violence.
Her dedication has borne fruit: Violent crime in Wilmington and across our state has fallen to historic lows. This is not just a statistic; it’s a testament to the power of smart, compassionate policy. It’s evidence that, when we invest in our communities, when we support our neighbors and when we hold ourselves accountable, we can make a real difference in the lives of Delawareans.
But our work is far from over. One life lost to gun violence is one too many, and the challenges we face are not unique to our state. Across our nation, families in red states and blue alike are facing the same fears and anxieties, and deserve the same results we’ve gotten in Delaware. Delaware needs federal leaders who will support our state’s ongoing work to protect our communities and improve our justice system; and America needs leaders in Washington who will stand up against the gun lobby. Leaders who will fight for equal justice. Leaders who will support victims of violent crime by protecting the Violence Against Women Act and the Victims of Crime Act, both of which provide essential funding for services that are lifelines for Delawareans who have been affected by violence.
Sarah McBride is that leader. She has the experience, the passion and the vision to advocate for Delaware on the national stage. She knows that the safety of our communities depends on our ability to provide support to those who need it most, and she will fight to ensure that Delaware continues to receive the resources it needs to keep our communities safe.
I have worked closely with Sarah McBride for the last four years. I have seen firsthand that she is a once-in-a-generation talent, whose intellect, compassion and work ethic can accomplish — and has accomplished — the seemingly impossible. She is the right person to represent Delaware in Congress. She is a proven leader, a fierce advocate and an excellent public servant. I urge my fellow Delawareans to support Sarah McBride in her campaign for the U.S. Congress. Our future depends on it.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org .
Local News
