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Delaware Senate Democrats

Senate Democrats Reflect on the Legacy of Rep. John Kowalko

October 26, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | October 26, 2025 
Contact: Sarah Fulton (302) 401-1114 

DOVER — Senate President Pro Tempore Dave SokolaSenate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, and Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman issued a joint statement on the passing of former State Representative John Kowalko:

“John Kowalko was a devoted public servant and will be sorely missed by all of us in the Senate Democratic Caucus. He spent his tenure in the legislature fighting for progressive causes with an unwavering commitment to supporting the working people of our state. 

Perhaps above all else, John was a stalwart advocate for transparency and accountability — believing that government should be done by the people, for the people, and in plain view of the people we serve. 

Upon retiring from the General Assembly in 2022, he remained engaged on a number of issues, including his longtime advocacy for the creation of the Office of Inspector General. We were thrilled John was able to sit alongside other longtime advocates for the signing of this bill, an issue that he first championed nearly 20 years ago.

That’s what we will miss about John. He brought an activist’s heart to the Legislature that  distinguished him as a driving force behind much of the progress we have made in Dover. May we all summon John’s courage when we need it most and honor his legacy by fighting for what is right.”

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