Every once in a while, you meet someone who completely resets your view of life.
Over the past several days, Delaware had the profound honor of welcoming DJ Daniel—a 13-year-old who was told in 2018 that he had just five months to live due to aggressive brain tumors. That was seven years ago.
DJ’s story is more than a miracle. It’s a masterclass in courage, gratitude, and the unshakable strength of the human spirit. And behind him stands his father, Theo—a man who refuses to let fear define their days. Theo doesn’t deny the weight of the diagnosis. He carries it, quietly. But he doesn’t let it stop him from giving his son every chance to live—not just exist, but truly live.
He doesn’t wrap DJ in bubble wrap. He lifts him up. He cheers him on. And together, they chase joy with urgency and intention. At 13, DJ has packed more life, more laughter, and more meaning into his days than most of us do in decades.
There’s something unmistakable about DJ. He glows. His presence, his gratitude, his love for every moment—it’s infectious. Everyone around him sees it, feels it, and believes that it’s this very spirit keeping him here. Not just surviving, but shining.
We could all stand to live a little more like DJ. Braver. Kinder. With open hearts, wide eyes, and zero time wasted.
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I was honored to join Senator Dave Wilson, Representative Valerie Jones Giltner, retired Representative Ruth Briggs King, Mayor Bill West, and passionate advocates as we broke ground on the renovation and expansion of the Richard Allen School.
Originally opened in the 1920s to serve African American students during segregation, the Richard Allen School has evolved into a cornerstone of our community. This next chapter will enhance its ability to serve residents and preserve its important legacy.
I'm proud to support the preservation of our history and the future of our town.
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Photos from Sussex Amvets Post 2's post
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Memorial Day is not just a long weekend, it’s a day of solemn remembrance for those who gave everything for our country.
Let us honor their sacrifice with gratitude, reflection, and a commitment to uphold the values they fought to protect.
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Yesterday, I was proud to sponsor a resolution proclaiming May 2025 as Community Action Month in Delaware, honoring the vital role Community Action Agencies play in Delaware. This resolution is a recognition of their tireless efforts and a call to continue building stronger, more resilient communities across our state.
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Like many of you, I was puzzled by the new pavement markings recently installed leading up to The Circle in Georgetown. After making a few inquiries, I learned that the symbol is an approved marking under the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). However, despite its federal approval, many residents have found the symbol to be unclear and confusing.
After raising these concerns with the Secretary of Transportation, the Department has agreed to replace the marking with a more familiar right-turn arrow. We are currently awaiting a timeline for when this change will be implemented.
I appreciate the community’s outreach on this issue, as well as the Secretary’s responsiveness and willingness to make adjustments based on public feedback.
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Today, I introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 80, officially designating May 2025 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Delaware. We were joined in the Senate chamber by advocates, including Judy Setting and Rebecca Benson, who shared their stories to help raise awareness about prevention, early detection, and the serious impacts of Lyme disease in our state.
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Great news! Governor Meyer has signed SB 119 into law and Levi Murray's birth certificate has been updated to include his father's name! Thank you to everyone who played a role in helping get this legislation drafted, passed, and signed!
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MEDIA RELEASE: Senator Pettyjohn Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Consumer Choice in Vehicle Purchases
DOVER — With a controversial electric vehicle (EV) sales mandate still on the books and set to take effect without legislative action or regulatory repeal, Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R – Georgetown) has introduced Senate Bill 140 (SB 140). The legislation seeks to prohibit the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) from enacting regulations that limit the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs.
This measure mirrors 2023’s Senate Bill 96 and comes on the heels of Governor Matt Meyer’s public opposition to the EV mandate advanced by the previous administration.
“Electric vehicles have a place in our transportation future, and anyone who wants to buy one should be free to do so,” said Senator Pettyjohn. “But EVs are not a realistic option for every Delawarean, especially those living in rural areas, those with long commutes, or people without access to reliable charging infrastructure. This one-size-fits-all mandate ignores those realities and pushes us closer to an energy supply crisis.”
SB 140 would prevent DNREC from enforcing any future regulations that restrict the sale of vehicles currently legal under Delaware’s Clean Car standards. The bill would not impact existing emissions requirements but would halt the agency’s ability to pursue California-style bans on fuel-powered vehicles.
“Delaware’s electric grid is already under increasing strain. Forcing more EVs onto car lots, and subsequently into garages, will only compound the problem,” Senator Pettyjohn added. “We should be working to expand energy options and consumer freedom, not limit them.”
Senate Bill 140 has been filed and awaits consideration in the Senate Environment, Energy, & Transportation Committee.
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