Senate race · 2026

Delaware Senate Race

This election will fill the Class II U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democratic incumbent Chris Coons, who is seeking a fourth full term. Political forecasters generally predict the race to be Solid D or Safe D.

All 2026 races

7 candidates · what each one campaigns on

Chris Coons

Democratic · Incumbent

Currently: U.S. Senator for Delaware

Chris Coons first won election to the U.S. Senate in 2010 and is seeking a fourth full term.

Campaign platform

Opportunity and Security
Coons' campaign is focused on opportunity, security, and advancing justice for all Delawareans.
EconomySource
End Tariffs
He advocates for an end to tariffs, stating they have increased costs for consumers.
EconomySource
Affordability Issues
Coons aims to help Delawareans navigate current economic challenges like the high cost of living.
EconomySource
Rebuilding Positive Future
He seeks to rebuild a positive future rooted in opportunity for everybody and reclaiming security.
EconomySource

Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

Jeff Appelhans

Democratic

Jeff Appelhans is one of the Democratic candidates who filed for the U.S. Senate primary.

Campaign platform

Constitutional renewal
Proposes a constitutional reform initiative tied to America's 250th anniversary.
Democracy & GovernmentSource
AI, economy and education
Argues AI will reshape capital, labor and learning and calls for policy grounded in constitutional limits.
EconomySource
Restraint in foreign entanglements
Opposes open-ended foreign commitments in favor of lawful, accountable action.
National SecuritySource
Reliable lifelong care
Calls for dependable health, elder and long-term care at every life stage.
Health CareSource

Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

E. No-Trump Hansen

Democratic

E. No-Trump Hansen, formerly known as Republican politician Eric Hansen, is running in the Democratic primary.

Campaign platform

This candidate has not published a detailed issues platform we can quote yet. Their campaign materials and public filings are linked below.

Ballotpedia profile

Mary Louve

Democratic

Mary Louve is among the Democratic candidates vying for their party's nomination.

Campaign platform

Lower costs for families
Focuses on reducing everyday costs for Delaware households.
EconomySource
Family court and domestic violence reform
Advocates reforming family courts and strengthening domestic violence protections.
Justice & Public SafetySource
Create job opportunities
Campaigns on expanding employment across Delaware.
EconomySource
Government transparency
Supports greater accountability and openness in government.
Democracy & GovernmentSource

Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

Michael Katz

Republican

Dr. Michael Katz is a physician and business owner who previously ran as an independent in Delaware's 2024 U.S. Senate race.

Campaign platform

Combat Inflation
Katz's campaign focuses on addressing inflation and the rising costs faced by Delaware families.
EconomySource
Energy Policy
He advocates for policies that would make Delaware energy-independent, including exploring small modular reactors.
EconomySource
Affordable Housing
His platform includes addressing housing costs and making it more affordable for residents.
HousingSource
Healthcare Access
Katz emphasizes improving healthcare access, particularly in rural communities.
HealthSource
Patients Over Politics
He campaigns on putting Delaware families and patients ahead of party politics and special interests.
DemocracySource

Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

John Shulli

Republican

John Shulli is a retired Air Force Colonel and policy analyst who worked in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Pentagon’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office.

Campaign platform

Government Accountability
Shulli's platform emphasizes promoting government accountability.
DemocracySource
Economic Growth
He advocates for policies to foster economic growth and create jobs in Delaware.
EconomySource
Rebuild American manufacturing
Advocates an "American System" industrial policy to restore U.S. manufacturing strength.
EconomySource
Delaware energy independence
Wants Delaware to become energy independent and a manufacturing jobs hub.
Energy & EnvironmentSource
Support for Veterans
His campaign highlights support for veterans and rebuilding military readiness.
VeteransSource
Make Delaware a 'Jobs Factory'
Shulli aims to make Delaware a leader in job creation, focusing on economic development.
EconomySource
Law, order and accountability
Platform pillar focused on public safety and accountability in government.
Justice & Public SafetySource
Make America Healthy Again
Aligns with the MAHA movement on federal public health policy.
Health CareSource
Delaware Energy Independence
He supports achieving energy independence for Delaware, including exploring small modular reactors.
EconomySource

Campaign site Ballotpedia profile

Dexter Bland

Independent

Dexter Bland is a business owner who has filed paperwork to run as an independent candidate.

Campaign platform

This candidate has not published a detailed issues platform we can quote yet. Their campaign materials and public filings are linked below.

Ballotpedia profile

Platform items are drawn from candidates’ own campaign materials and public reporting, summarised neutrally. They are what a candidate says they will do — not a judgement about whether they will do it. Once a candidate is serving in Congress, their record moves to the The Informed Ballot profiles.