Today we continue our profiles of 2024 progressive candidates! There is so much at stake at this moment in this country that Jejune is endorsing and supporting progressive candidates across the country to continue our nation’s progress forward and to keep America from regressing back to a darker period in our own history.

This week we are profiling DeShanna Neal (she/they), a single mother of four who is an LGBTQ+ rights activist and Democratic Socialist Delaware State Representative. Elected in 2022, they ran on a platform focusing on mental health, the environment, and the legalization of marijuana; this year their focus is on Accessibility for all, Maternal Healthcare for Incarcerated Women, and LGBTQ+ rights. DeShanna is the author of the children’s book My Rainbow, about their transgender daughter, and they are the co-organizer and creator of New Castle County's first ever LGBTQ Youth Pride Festival, as well as, Delaware's first Drag Queen Story Hour. They have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix (UoPX), and just recently graduated with a master’s degree from Wilmington University (WilmU).

Where are you based?
Wilmington, Delaware.

What is your position/what position are you running for?
I’m the State Representative for District 13.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
I believe in building community where, regardless of your journey, we are treated with dignity and respect.

What inspired you to run?
My fight for my trans child’s rights to be seen and treated like anyone else. My children are my world and as a single working mother, I knew I couldn’t sit idle while other families continued to struggle.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district, state, and country?
Better community, safer neighborhoods, stronger educational resources and supports, and better access to medical and mental healthcare.

How long have you been in office? What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
This is my first term. I have been able to support progressive legislation as a Freshman legislator.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
Ensuring gender affirming care is safe in my state, educational support, and accessibility for all. I’ve already begun working on legislation for these endeavors.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
I know I’ve said it already, but building and investing in stronger communities is my hope to bridge the gaps we see happening in our nation.

How would you foresee your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I represent many intersections. I’m a working class, single parent. I’ve been in poverty. I’ve had to work hard to get to where I am. I’m a Black, queer, nonbinary person. I’m also visibly disabled. I raise children with special needs and have had to rely on the help of others to continue to thrive. There are many like me and that representation is very important.

What is your motto in life?
“When we know better; we do better.”

Where can we find out more about you?
You can find out more about me at: www.deshanna4district13.com, Facebook: RepDeShannaNeal and Instagram: repdeshannaneal

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - DeShanna Neal, Delaware House of Representatives District 13