Delaware Senate confirms Strine as the next chief justice

The Delaware Senate voted unanimously to confirm Chancellor Leo Strine, Jr., to serve as the eighth Chief Justice of Delaware’s Supreme Court.

Strine replaces the Honorable Myron Steele, who retired at the end of last year.

Strine currently serves as chancellor of the Court of Chancery, where he’s been a judge since 1998.

Prior to that, he served as legal counsel and policy coordinator for former Delaware governor and current U.S. Senator Tom Carper.

During a confirmation session of the Senate Executive Committee, Strine received support from all six committee members.

Following the vote, Strine briefly addressed the Senate chamber where he thanked the governor and the senate. 

“This is a very special day today and I will do everything on my behalf to repay the confidence of the Senate as chief justice,” said Strine. “Thank you for being so gracious.”

Governor Jack Markell nominated Strine for the job earlier this month.

“The Senate’s unanimous decision to confirm Chancellor Strine further affirms his outstanding qualifications to lead Delaware’s judiciary,” said Markell following the Senate vote. “Today’s vote ensures our outstanding court system will continue to benefit from a chief justice with exceptional intellect and judgment.”

Attorney General Beau Biden also congratulated Strine on the confirmation.  “Our State’s judiciary will be well served by his able leadership,” said Biden.

Strine will serve a 12-year term.