Delaware State Rep. David Bentz, D-Bear-Christiana, will serve out his term and not seek re-election.
“For the past six years, I’ve had the privilege and honor to serve the residents of the 18th District in the House of Representatives. Starting out as a legislative aide for the district gave me perspective into the issues facing the community, and I worked to address those problems every day as a representative.” Bentz stated. “However, after careful consideration and consultation with my family, I have decided that it would be best to step away from elected office. I will not be running for re-election in 2022. I wanted to make this announcement early so that any potential candidates have plenty of time to explore their options and plan.
Bentz, 35, focused on health care and gun violence through the Beau Biden Gun Violence Prevention Act and the Lethal Violence Protection Order.
Bentz also worked to reduce barriers to telehealth services in Delaware.
Bentz earned a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Delaware in 2011 while serving as a Legislative Fellow with both the State Senate and House of Representatives. He then spent four years working as a legislative aide in the Delaware House of Representatives.
He won a special election for the seat after the incumbent stepped aside to take a state job.
Bentz did not respond to a question of whether financial considerations are involved. Legislators receive about $45,300 a year in salary. In addition, many legislators work in jobs that allow time off for legislative duties.
Others receive pensions from previous jobs. There have been long-running concerns about conflicts of interests since many legislators held jobs are supported with state funding at one time or another.
