Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, and Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman issued a joint statement today following Rep. Paul Baumbach’s announcement that he will not seek re-election at the end of his current term:
“During his 12 years in the General Assembly, Rep. Paul Baumbach has been an unflinching champion for progress, social justice, and some of our state’s most vulnerable neighbors.
Throughout his legislative career, he has stood at the forefront of our work to protect abortion rights, expand voting access, reduce gun violence, lower healthcare costs, reduce pollution, and create a legal and well-regulated adult-use cannabis industry, among so many other critical issues. He also has been a stalwart advocate for the City of Newark whose role in building a vibrant walkable, bikeable community with incredible parks and accessible rail service has often been underappreciated.
His compassion, combined with his fearless willingness to push for progress even when it isn’t politically popular has been a hallmark of his leadership. Perhaps nowhere is that as evident than in his unabated work on Delaware’s death with dignity legislation.
While we will dearly miss his passion, his counsel, and his partnership in our work, we wish Rep. Baumbach and his spouse Pamela the very best in his well-deserved retirement and we remain committed to carrying forward his legacy for the people of House District 23 and all of Delaware.”