06/19/2026
A couple of snapshots from Dover today. ✨ The caucus meeting room is a busy place — this time of year especially, but I imagine always. This is where upcoming bills for the day are brought to the group prior to the vote - many Reps previously sat on committees for these bills (no, not all committees are paid — sometimes you just have to do the things, and I heard ZERO complaints) so those Reps can speak directly to the discussions that happened, which is helpful to all. They can bring up any reasons why the bill might or might not work for the constituents. Attorneys are present to bring forth any constitutional issues or doors cracking open to later additions/changes that might be problematic. It’s super interesting and even though this was only my second time in caucus I will say my understanding increased since the last time. Minimally increased - but still 😂
Though we’re the minority party each bill is given thought, discussion, and healthy debate. It’s not a YES MAN (or woman, I see you Valerie Jones Giltner 💪🏼🫶🏻🫶🏻) situation. It’s a per bill per rep situation and while mostly there’s a consensus, you aren’t berated for asking questions or challenging the narrative. Ultimately the goal is to assist THE PEOPLE in their daily lives, to make the systems already in place work more efficiently, and to introduce new systems when it’s proven that the old ones are not serving THE PEOPLE.
I put emphasis on “the people” because to be clear - it is not the legislators job to toe a line or vote because that’s what they personally want to do or because they’re told to. I heard none, literally none, of that language. It’s their job to do what WE THE PEOPLE want - and need - them to do. As a rookie politician and an avid learner — I’m fascinated by the process and impressed with the amount of knowledge in that room. As a constituent and someone who, generally speaking, aligns with a more conservative way of thinking — I am disheartened at the way the majority party can get bills through even when there are robust objections and when it is clear - due to constituent turnout and desire to voice concerns both in person and online - that something is not, in fact, the desire of the community. Even with their ability to already do that — the majority party still desperately seeks a supermajority with the fervor of Harry Potter seeking the snitch (sorry, my daughter is 8 and obsessed with HP…you get the comparisons you get 😬).
Regardless of whose side it is - I don’t trust anyone who essentially says…so here’s the thing, just give me a LITTTTTTTTLE more power and then I can really help you. I pinky promise I will!
I’ve said it before — listen to what people say but more importantly watch what they do. And if you don’t agree, if you feel like your interests are being tossed aside — it’s time to use your voice, your vote…and make sure you are choosing a candidate who you trust to HELP you, regardless of your political party.
And finally (if you’ve read all this you get a gold star), as we get further into campaigning and closer to the election, I will start to talk more in depth about issues close to me, and what I’m hearing in our district. It’s inevitable that we won’t always agree. And that’s ok. I’m down for respectful convos and constructive criticism. But what I’m not down with is bullying or being straight up rotten. That’s to me, or anyone else.
All of your candidates are human. I personally am a mom to 3 freaking cool tiny humans, I’m a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. I might be kind of funny sometimes but I also have feelings. I genuinely try hard every day to be a bright light in a world that can be heavy, and my candidacy for the 38th is no different. So let’s disagree with respect. Let’s bring humanity back to Dover. Let’s even the playing field just a little bit because when we have TWO SIDES that are willing to meet in the middle you know who wins? YOU DO.
See ya on the 26th at Salted Vines, from 4-7. Let’s keep the momentum going. 🫡🇺🇸❤️
