House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf will face Republican Attorney James DeMartino again this fall for the 14th House District seat.
Schwartzkopf has held the seat since 2003.
The district includes Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and some surrounding areas. Demartino, who moved to the area in 2013, unsuccessfully challenged Schwartzkopf two years ago.
DeMartino says the speaker is out of touch with his constituents. He argues Schwartzkopf is more focused on pushing the governor’s agenda instead of local issues.
“I felt it was time for me to get involved, represent the opinions of other people and try to get solutions to the problems we have locally and throughout the state. And I feel he does not represent us.”
DeMartino says his top priorities if elected would be cutting taxes and fees, easing regulations, improving schools and attracting more health care providers to the area.
“There are a number of local issues that are of major concern. And again, I don’t feel we’re being represented in our specific concerns because again Rep. Schwartzkopf really represents the entire state and the governor’s agenda.”
DeMartino also founded the Y Bicycle Association, a nonprofit that promotes youth cycling.
DeMartino collected about 36 percent of the vote in 2016 general election - while Schwartzkopf received over 60 percent. The speaker also earned more than 70 percent of the vote in the 2016 primary - fending off Democratic challenger Don Peterson.
