As the caucus wrapped up on Thursday, a Democratic Party source confirmed that House Democrats selected Rep. Robert Gilligan (D-Sherwood Park) as the General Assembly's new Speaker of the House. Sussex legislator Pete Schwartzkopf (D-14th District) will serve as the new House Majority Leader.

Speaker-elect Gilligan has been a state representative for 36 years. Typically, the Speaker of the House charts 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.”

Newly appointed House Majority Leader Schwartzkopf said, “I’m very excited to be elected leader of the majority caucus. I’ve had a great teacher in Speaker-elect Gilligan and I’m lucky to work with an excellent group of legislators. I’ll work to represent my caucus and every Delawarean while I’m managing legislation on the House floor.”

“Our top-notch legislative staff will provide the support our caucus needs to put Delaware residents first,” said House Majority Whip, Rep. Valerie Longhurst. “I’m confident that together, we will get through these tough times.”