DOVER, Del. - Democratic challenger Tyeisha "Tye" Grier has defeated incumbent Rep. William J. Carson, Jr. in the race for Delaware House of Representatives for the 28th District.
As of 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 15, Delaware's Department of Elections reports that 100% of districts have been reported, with Grier earning 1,085 votes against Carson's 957 in the Democratic Primary.
The 28th District includes portions of Smyrna, Leipsic, Little Creek, and Dover.
Grier began her career as a combat medic in the United States Army. She has since served as Director of Partnerships at Network Delaware and is President of the Central Delaware NAACP and Co-Chair of the Political Action Committee for the Delaware NAACP State Conference.
Carson, a lifelong Smyrna resident, has served in the Delaware General Assembly since 2007.
The election result marks a change for a district that Carson has represented for nearly two decades.
Michael Carrozza, who has lived in the district for years, said he is looking forward to seeing what comes next.
"Living in a community like this, we've experienced it firsthand. So change is not bad. I'm not disappointed that the incumbent didn't win, but I'm just looking forward to the future," Carrozza said.
Carrozza, an independent voter who did not participate in Tuesday's Democratic primary, said he believes residents want their elected officials to listen to the people they represent.
"Sometimes we need change in the way things are going. I think to shake things up a bit isn't the worst thing," he said.
Sherry Santogrossi, a Democrat who did vote in the primary, said she initially voted for the incumbent because she was not familiar with either candidate. After learning more about Grier, however, Santogrossi said she was supportive of the incoming representative.
"After I read her stuff, I like her. So I do wish her well," Santogrossi said.
Santogrossi said she hopes Grier will use her new position to advocate for the community.
"Hopefully she'll take these ground roots and go with it and try and stand up more for the people," she said.
Grier's policy platform focuses on affordable housing, lowering electricity bills and capping child care costs.
"I'm running because working people deserve a place they can afford to live," Grier said in her campaign materials. "Let's make Kent County affordable for the people who already call it home."
With no Republican challenger in November, the primary victory ensures Grier will now assume Carson's seat.
