The Independent Party of Delaware (IPoD) nominated Dr. Michael S. Katz, MD as its 2024 candidate for United States Senator at its 2023 nominating convention on Saturday. He officially filed with the Delaware Department of Elections on July 3.
The anesthesiologist would face U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, who announced her plans to run for the seat after Sen. Tom Carper announced he would not seek another term.”
“Mike is not a career politician. He has not pledged his allegiance to special interests, lobbyists and political organizations. He is a true independent, a critical thinker and problem solver who is committed to representing all Delawareans as a public servant and leader”, said IPoD State Chairman, Don Ayotte.
Katz no stranger to public office, having served as a Democratic state senator for four years until he was defeated by long-time GOP legislator Greg Lavelle who later lost the seat in an area of north Wilmington that has become increasingly blue. Delaware no longer has any GOP state senators north of the C&D Canal.
Katz also ran for president in 2020 and spent time in the primary state of New Hampshire running on a platform of civility and the need for a multi-party system.
“We are very pleased to have Dr. Katz on our ticket, as he offers a clear and constructive alternative to Delaware’s two-party machine-controlled politics and government,” said IPoD secretary-general, Wolf von Baumgart. “Our common problems demand creative and cooperative solutions instead of finger-pointing.
In his address at the Independent Party 2023 Convention, Dr. Katz stated, “America’s government dysfunction and divisiveness is due to the two major political parties who have the core value of winning. As an independent, I have not pledged my allegiance to any political party, but to the core values of the U.S. Constitution, Liberty, Justice, and Equality”.
According to a release, Katz went on to say, “Business and politics as usual is no longer an option. I have pledged to abide by a Code of Conduct that recognizes our common humanity, to be respectful of all Americans, to work for and seek unity among all Americans, and to work together with all Americans to solve our problems to improve our society. These are the steadfast foundational principles on which we serve our communities and how we treat our fellow citizens.”
