Delaware’s House Democrats have filled their three leadership positions as the newly elected majority party.
Robert Gilligan (D-Sherwood Park) was unanimously named Speaker of the House Thursday, while Peter Schwartzkopf (D-Rehoboth) and Valerie Longhurst (D-Bear) were voted as the new House Majority Leader and House Majority whip respectively.
Gilligan has been a State Representative for 36 years. Traditionally, the role of the House Speaker is to chart the overall course of the House of Representatives. The House Majority Leader generally manages the proceedings on the House floor, and the House Majority Whip oversees the legislative staff.
“I am honored to be chosen as Speaker of the House,” said Speaker-elect Gilligan. “We have a lot of work ahead of us. Our number one priority will be to work with Governor Markell on the financial conditions facing the State of Delaware.”
