For Immediate Release:
July 3, 2025
Special Election for Vacant 20th District Seat Set for August 5
DOVER - A special election for the now-vacant 20th District House seat will be held on Tuesday, August 5.
Former state representative Stell Parker Selby tendered her resignation from the House effective Tuesday, June 24, which triggered a state law governing special elections for vacant legislative seats. Under that code, a writ of election must be issued within 10 days of the vacancy occurring. The writ sets the date for the special election, which must take place between 30-35 days from when the writ is issued.
On Thursday, House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown issued the writ to set the special election for Tuesday, August 5. The race will be overseen by the Department of Elections.
The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the term for the 20th District, which will expire on Election Day in November 2026.
Sussex County Dems to Hold RD 20 Candidate Forum July 3rd
The Sussex County Democratic Committee will host a forum for Democratic candidates vying for State Representative District 20 on Thursday, July 3. The program will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lewes Public Library (111 Adams Ave, Lewes, DE 19958).
All registered Democrats are welcome to attend the forum, but candidates must reside in the 20th RD. The eventual Democratic nominee will be selected by members of the 20th RD Democratic Committee immediately after the forum. Party candidates will then run in a special election that has yet to be scheduled but is expected to occur in early August.
The position was vacated today following the resignation of Rep. Stell Parker Selby, D-Milton, who is stepping down due to a serious medical emergency. A beloved figure in the 20th RD, Parker Selby was the first African American in Delaware history to serve in the House of Representatives from Sussex County.
The 20th Representative District includes Lewes, Milton, Nassau, Pine Town, Belltown and parts of Harbeson and Georgetown. Forum attendees will be encouraged to ask questions of candidates in written form; the event will be moderated by Jeff Balk, chair of the Sussex County Democratic Committee.
Those planning to attend in person or via Zoom should RSVP by July 1 to hsginde@gmail.com to confirm their party status and receive a Zoom link. Those attendees failing to do so will need to check-in at the door beginning 5:30 p.m. on July 3. For further information: DESussexDemocrats@gmail.com.
A VOICE FOR THE PEOPLE
“I am the voice committed to advocating for policies, programs, & services that will benefit all in this diverse RD 20 community.”
DO WELL WITH STELL
Born in Milford, DE, and raised in Lewes and Milton, Stell Parker Selby is no stranger to the needs of this diverse community. The RD 20 concerns match those of Stell and she is committed to preserving a livable, attractive, and healthy environment for all residents.
Points of focus: Smart Growth, Environmental Preservation, Education, Safety, Human and Civil Rights
