Sen. Karen Peterson (D-Stanton), one of the most fiery and fierce liberals in the state senate over the past 14 years, announced her retirement in a floor speech Tuesday afternoon.
Audible gasps filled the Senate chamber as Sen. Karen Peterson made her retirement known shortly after lawmakers gaveled into session.
The 66-year-old Peterson kept the news from nearly all of her colleagues – including her family until Tuesday morning. She says her decision was driven by a desire to spend more time with family and rediscover her hobbies.
“My piano has a cover thrown over it and my guitar hasn’t been out in two years and music is something I just absolutely love," she said.
She says her wife, Vikki, has battled ovarian cancer and spending time with her is a top priority.
Peterson was elected to her Stanton-area seat in 2002 after having previously served as New Castle County Council President from 1981-1989.
She first worked at Leg Hall in 1969 as an attaché and made several stops there while working at the state Department of Labor.
“This place has been like a second home to me for nearly 50 years. Not as much as it is a second home to [Senate Clerk] Bernard Brady – I never slept here,” Peterson said.
During her service, she led the effort to try and repeal Delaware's death penalty, reform criminal sentencing laws and raise the minimum wage. Efforts to increase government transparency also made their way on to her agenda.
Peterson was influential as a member of the Joint Finance Committee as well, consistently questioning agency heads and cabinet officials on their spending habits.
Many in the chamber praised her career, noting her commitment to civil rights issues and her reputation as a passionate and fiery ally and fearsome foe, if their views clashed.
“Obviously, I was not aware of what she was prepared to say to us today, and furthermore, I can tell you unequivocally, it’s not something I wanted to hear,” said Senate Majority Leader David McBride (D-Hawks Nest).
Gov. Jack Markell (D) called the news "bittersweet" in a statement.
"She has been a dedicated advocate for justice and equality even when the road was long and steep and she always fought for the generations of Delawareans to come," Markell said.
Peterson was unopposed for her re-election race before the announcement. Should the GOP pick up her seat, the Democratic majority would shrink to one vote, barring any other changes.