Delaware Senate Race 2026

Compare candidates running in this Delaware federal race. Review their positions, voting records, campaign promises, and donor information.

Dexter Bland

Party: Independent

John Shulli

Party: Republican

Michael Katz

Party: Republican

Christopher Beardsley

Party: Democrat

Chris Coons

Party: Democrat

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Delaware Senate Race

Election: Nov 3, 2026Updated: Apr 6, 2026
safe dCook Political Report

Delaware is a solid Democratic state where Republicans have not won a Senate race since 1994. The incumbent Coons is heavily favored to win reelection, making this seat unlikely to affect Senate control in 2026.

Dexter BlandI
John ShulliR
Michael KatzR
Christopher BeardsleyD
Chris CoonsD

Summary

Dexter Bland is an independent candidate running for Delaware's U.S. Senate seat in the general election on November 3, 2026. Described as a business owner and hip-hop artist, Bland provides a non-traditional alternative to major party candidates. Limited public information is available about his campaign platform and background.

Colonel John Shulli is a Delaware native and U.S. Army Reserve officer who has dedicated over 28 years to defending American interests abroad and leading soldiers at home. Commissioned in 1997, his military career has spanned the globe from tank ranges in South Korea to high-level diplomatic talks in Geneva. Currently serving as a Faculty Instructor at the U.S. Army War College, Shulli brings military expertise and conservative vision centered on sovereignty, economic strength, and education renaissance. His campaign emphasizes a 'New American Renaissance' vision.

Dr. Michael Katz is a physician, business owner, and former Delaware State Senator running as the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate. Born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1962, he is an anesthesiologist with over 20 years of experience caring for patients. Katz previously served as a Democrat in the Delaware State Senate (2009-2013) representing District 4, but switched to the Independent Party in 2024 and now affiliates with Republicans. His campaign emphasizes 'Patients Over Politics' and servant leadership focused on practical solutions.

Christopher Beardsley, 33, is a Delaware native challenging incumbent Chris Coons in the Democratic primary. A former federal employee and Fulbright scholar, Beardsley brings experience from the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Born in Wilmington in 1993, he grew up as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in a blended family. His campaign emphasizes people-first policies centered on housing as a human right, healthcare access, and accountable governance.

Chris Coons is a two-term U.S. Senator from Delaware first elected in 2010. Born in Greenwich, Connecticut in 1963, Coons earned degrees from Amherst College, Yale Divinity School, and Yale Law School. He worked as a nonprofit executive and attorney before serving as New Castle County Council President (2001-2005) and County Executive (2005-2010). As Senator, Coons has earned a reputation as a principled progressive and pragmatic lawmaker, ranking among the most productive senators in Congress. He was re-elected in 2020 with 59.4% of the vote.

Campaign Promises

No campaign promises listed yet.

Defense
  • Protect Liberty and Sovereignty
Economy
  • Build Renaissance Engines
  • American Renaissance
Education
  • Classical Education Reform
Environment
  • Cheap, Reliable Energy
Other
  • Restore Accountability in Government
Defense
  • Strengthen National Security
Justice
  • Protect Individual Liberty
Healthcare
  • Practical Healthcare Solutions
Economy
  • Combat Federal Overreach
Economy
  • Economic Dignity
  • Housing for All
Environment
  • Accountable Governance
Justice
  • LGBTQIA+ Rights
Defense
  • Anti-Military Spending
Defense
  • Gun Safety
Justice
  • Reproductive Rights
  • Criminal Justice Reform
Immigration
  • Immigration Reform
Environment
  • Climate Action
Healthcare
  • Healthcare
  • Opioid Crisis

Key Issue Positions

No key issues listed yet.

National Defense and Sovereignty
Prioritize border security and national security as foundation for prosperity
Emphasizes finishing 'Making America Great Again' and launching American Renaissance with AI dominance. Over 28 years military service with deployments to Germany and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom as battle staff planner). Views stability and security as non-optional for economic growth.
Technology and Innovation Economy
Delaware should lead AI research and innovation
'Renaissance Engines' proposal leverages Delaware's corporate law advantage and university research to create innovation hubs powered by small modular nuclear reactors. Positions Delaware as 'knowledge factory of 21st century.'
Education Transformation
Return to classical education model emphasizing critical thinking over memorization
Critiques modern education system as 'recipe for obsolescence'—teaching kids to 'beat a calculator.' Advocates classical foundation in grammar, logic, rhetoric, great books, deep study of physical world to prepare youth to lead future rather than follow machines.
Party Affiliation Shift
Changed from Independent Party to Republican in 2026
Previously ran as Independent in 2024 Senate race, calling for removal of money from politics. Joined Republican Party citing federal overreach, fiscal irresponsibility, public safety, and erosion of constitutional principles. Explicitly rejected accepting campaign donations.
Medical Background
Leverage physician expertise for policy solutions
Over 20 years as anesthesiologist and pediatric critical-care specialist; served at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Alfred I. DuPont Hospital. Also owns healthcare businesses.
Anti-Corruption Stance
Remove money's influence from politics
Refused campaign donations in 2024 race; advocates paradigm shift on corruption and money in governance
Housing Crisis
Housing is a human right, not privilege
Highlights that Delawareans pay up to 50% of income on rent, homelessness increased 16% since 2024, half of renters are cost-burdened. Criticizes Coons for accepting millions from financial institutions responsible for housing crisis.
Healthcare Access
Supports Medicare-for-All as alternative to current system; believes healthcare is human right not commodity
Youth and Progressive Values
Campaign likely to resonate with younger voters through focus on housing, healthcare, climate, LGBTQ+ rights
Productivity and Legislative Record
Among top three most productive senators
The Hill & GovTrack ranked Coons among top three most productive senators for consensus-building and delivering results
Democratic Party Direction
Pragmatic progressive advocating for party renewal
In December 2025, published essay in Democracy journal calling for Democrats to stop 'telling Americans how to be' and instead focus on solutions to financial security and living standards. Warned Democrats are seen as more corrupt than Republicans by 5-point margin.
Foreign Relations
Active on international diplomacy
Led bipartisan congressional delegation to Copenhagen, Denmark in January 2026 during Greenland crisis

Top Donors

No donor data available.

No donor data available.

Citizens (no major donor reporting)
MinimalSmall Donor
2024 campaign: refused donations; 2026 affiliation unclear if accepting donations
Small individual donations
Minimal/not raised much, if any, fundingSmall Donor
As of January 2026, has not raised significant funds
Securities & Investment Industry
$949,385Industry PAC
Top donor industry for 2020-2024 cycle
Young, Conaway et al (law firm)
$100,300Individual
Top individual/firm contributor
Large Individual Contributions
$949,385 (60.99% of total)Individual
Contributions over $200
PAC Contributions
32.64% of totalIndustry PAC
Includes corporate PACs

Contradictions

No contradictions documented.

No contradictions documented.

Claim: Katz ran as Independent in 2024 opposing 'both major parties' and calling to remove money from politics; pledged not to accept donations
Contradiction: Now running as Republican in 2026 with 'Powered by Citizens, Not Money' slogan; party affiliation change suggests pragmatic shift toward major party infrastructure
Source: Delaware Public Media (March 2024) vs. 38th District Republican Club (February 2026)
Claim: 2024 campaign focused on removing money's influence; ran as anti-corruption candidate
Contradiction: Received only 3.9% of vote (19,555) in 2024 losing to Democrat Lisa Blunt Rochester; now seeks Republican party support suggesting previous independent stance was ineffective
Source: 2024 election results and transition to Republican Party

No contradictions documented.

Claim: Coons claimed to have Biden co-chair reelection campaign and be closest ally
Contradiction: Biden ultimately withdrew from 2024 race before general election, and Coons and Sen. Tom Carper declined to nominate a judicial candidate for Third Circuit vacancy in Delaware, allowing Trump to flip the court to conservative majority in 2025
Source: Wikipedia, 2026 Delaware Senate article
Claim: Coons defended Biden's mental fitness in 2024, calling concerns about memory lapses 'occasional small gaffes'
Contradiction: Biden withdrew from race citing concerns about his age and stamina, with 86% of voters saying he was too old according to ABC/Ipsos poll
Source: ABC News, Washington Times (February 2024)

What Opponents Say

No opponent claims documented.

No opponent claims documented.

No opponent claims documented.

Chris Coons (implied)

Beardsley's progressive platform could be seen as inexperienced challenge to established senator

Coons is experienced congressman with high approval rating; Beardsley lacks legislative experience

Christopher Beardsley

Coons accepted millions from financial institutions responsible for housing crisis; Beardsley pledges never to take such money

Beardsley's campaign distinguishes himself by rejecting corporate donations from financial sector

Endorsements

No endorsements listed.

No endorsements listed.

No endorsements listed.

No endorsements listed.

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