Delaware is a tiny state, but there is a vast political difference between northern and southern Delaware. New Castle County, in Delaware’s north, is very progressive, while Sussex County in the south of Delaware, is conservative (Kent County, in between the two, is a “swing” county). But Democrats can and do win in Delaware’s southern county.

Alonna Berry (she/her), shows a way that Democrats can win over voters in rural areas. This Black millennial is constantly meeting with local leaders and constituents in her district, while always remaining true to her progressive principles, including advocating for protecting reproductive freedom, defending LGBTQ+ Delawareans, advancing racial equity, modernizing public education, expanding affordable housing, strengthening common sense gun safety laws, addressing climate change, and ensuring healthcare is accessible regardless of income or ZIP code. As Executive Director of the Delaware Center for Justice, Alonna works to advance restorative justice, reduce barriers to opportunity, and strengthen communities across Delaware.

Where are you based?
I live in Milton, Delaware, and proudly represent Delaware's 20th House District, which includes Milton, the town of Lewes, and surrounding communities in Sussex County.

What is your position?
I currently serve as the State Representative for Delaware's 20th House District.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
My work is grounded in a simple belief: government should expand opportunity and improve people's daily lives.

Every issues I work on is personal; I want my children, and every child, to grow up in a community where they have access to excellent public schools, quality healthcare, affordable housing, clean air and water, and the freedom to be exactly who they are.

I represent one of Delaware's most politically competitive districts. My constituents don't expect me to agree with everyone. They expect me to listen, lead with integrity, and deliver results. I believe it's possible to champion progressive values while building the broad coalitions necessary to turn those values into meaningful legislation.

What inspired you to run?
Simply put, I ran because I am a mom raising two boys under the age of four in my rural community.

Like every parent, I want my children to grow up in a place with excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, access to quality healthcare, and opportunities to build a good life close to home. I believe it's my responsibility, both as a mother and as a member of this community, to help create that future.

I was raised by parents and grandparents who believed deeply in service. They taught me that if you care about your community, you don't wait for someone else to solve its problems. You show up, you do the work, and you leave it better than you found it.

That's the legacy they left for me. Serving in the General Assembly is my opportunity to build on that legacy and leave an even stronger Delaware for my sons and for every child growing up here.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I want my children to inherit a Delaware that is more affordable, more equitable, and more hopeful than the one we have today.

That means ensuring working families can afford to live in the communities they love, protecting our fundamental freedoms, investing in public education, expanding healthcare access, and preserving the natural beauty that makes Delaware home.

I hope my generation of leaders is remembered not for the elections we won, but for the opportunities we created. The work we're doing today is generational. Every decision we make should leave our communities stronger for the next generation.

How long have you been in office? What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
I was elected in 2025 and have focused on delivering meaningful results from day one.

One accomplishment I'm especially proud of is HB 425, legislation I sponsored as part of Delaware's Rural Health Transformation Initiative. The bill expands access to primary care by allowing physician associates, formerly known as physician assistants, to practice independently after completing an additional 2.5 years of clinical experience. For many Delawareans, especially those living in rural communities, that means greater access to quality healthcare closer to home.

Representing a rural district means leading with practical solutions that close gaps and expand access. Whether it's healthcare, housing, transportation, or education, my focus has always been on removing barriers so families can get the services they need.

During my first term, I also helped modernize Delaware's public school funding system and supported the Housing for Every Delawarean Act, a landmark effort to address our state's housing shortage by increasing housing opportunities while preserving local decision making. I sponsored legislation strengthening protections for young athletes, secured investments for first responders and transportation infrastructure, and worked to ensure our communities have the resources to grow safely and responsibly.

Perhaps what I'm most proud of, however, is remaining accessible. Whether I'm hosting community coffees, visiting classrooms, meeting with farmers, touring small businesses, or helping a constituent navigate state government, I believe showing up is one of the most important responsibilities of public service. Good legislation begins by listening.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
Housing affordability is one of the defining challenges facing Delaware today. Too many young families, teachers, nurses, first responders, and seniors can no longer afford to live in the communities they serve. When people can't afford housing, it affects our workforce, our schools, our healthcare system, and our economy.

That's why I supported the Housing for Every Delawarean Act. I believe Delaware's housing shortage requires statewide leadership while preserving flexibility for counties and municipalities to determine how they meet their housing goals through local planning. Every community should have the opportunity to grow in a way that reflects its character while ensuring teachers, healthcare workers, young families, and older adults can continue to call that community home.

Housing is only one piece of the puzzle. We also need investments in public education, healthcare, transportation, and climate resilience. In coastal Delaware, growth must be paired with infrastructure, farmland preservation, and environmental stewardship. Those priorities are not competing interests. With thoughtful planning, we can accomplish all of them.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
I represent one of Delaware's most politically diverse districts. Every day I have the privilege of serving Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and people who don't identify with any political party.

I've learned that listening is not weakness. It's leadership.

My values are progressive, and I don't apologize for fighting for reproductive freedom, strong public schools, racial equity, LGBTQ+ equality, affordable housing, or criminal justice reform. Those values guide every vote I cast.

At the same time, representing a politically competitive district has taught me that good policy is strengthened by listening to people with different perspectives. The Housing for Every Delawarean Act is a good example. I spent weeks meeting with municipal leaders, housing advocates, builders, and residents before casting my vote. The legislation evolved through multiple substitutes that addressed concerns while preserving its central mission of expanding housing opportunities across Delaware.

I don't believe my responsibility is to choose between standing by my values and listening to my constituents. My responsibility is to do both. That's how trust is built, and that's how lasting progress happens.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I am a Black woman representing rural Sussex County, and that perspective is still uncommon in state legislatures across America.

My lived experience shapes how I lead. I understand what it means to navigate spaces where your voice isn't always expected, and I know how important it is that people see themselves reflected in their government.

At the same time, my story is deeply rooted in rural Delaware. I was raised by educators and public servants who believed community wasn't just where you lived. It was something you were responsible for making better. That belief has guided every chapter of my career, from teaching, to public policy, to nonprofit leadership, and now the General Assembly.

I hope young Black girls, especially those growing up in rural communities, can see someone who looks like them serving in elected office and know there is a place for them at every decision-making table.

What is your motto in life?
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead

That quote hung on the wall of my family home throughout my childhood. My mother, an educator, lived by those words, and they shaped the way she approached her career, our family, and our community. Today, they continue to guide me.

I've always believed meaningful change begins with ordinary people who care enough to get involved. That's how my parents and grandparents lived their lives, and it's how I try to live mine. Public service isn't about one person changing the world. It's about bringing people together to leave their community stronger than they found it.

Where can we find out more about you?
You can learn more about my work at AlonnaBerry.com and by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. I regularly share legislative updates, community events, and opportunities for constituents to engage with the work happening in Dover and throughout Sussex County.

Most importantly, I hope people connect with me in person. Whether it's a community coffee, neighborhood walk, a town event, or simply a conversation around town, I've always believed public service begins with showing up, listening, and earning people's trust.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Alonna Berry, Delaware House of Representatives District 20