Delaware state Sen. David McBride nominated President Pro Tempore

Following the surprising defeat of Senator Patti Blevins, state senate Democrats have picked Senator David McBride to replace her as President Pro Tempore.

In the only upset of Delaware’s 2016 election long-time Senator Patti Blevins, D-Elsmere, was defeated by Republican Anthony Delcollo. Blevins, who had been in the state senate since 1990, was the Senate President Pro Tempore since 2013. Her loss last week left a vacancy in the leadership position for Democrats that will be filled by Sen. David McBride, D-Hawk’s Nest.

“I am honored that my colleagues have entrusted me with the awesome responsibility of serving as President Pro Tempore of the Delaware State Senate,” McBride said. “”I look forward to working with all; our new governor, members of the House, and my Senate colleagues. That means continuing the promotion of policies that create jobs, protect workers, improve our schools, and make us safe, following the efforts of Patti Blevins for the last four years.”

McBride has been in the General Assembly since 1978 and was serving as the senate majority leader. Replacing him as majority leader will be Margaret Rose Henry, D-Wilmington. Henry has been in the state Senate since 1994 and has been serving as majority whip since 2012. Replacing her as majority whip will be Sen. Nicole Poore, D-New Castle. Poore has been in the senate since 2012.

Democrats hold a narrow 11-10 majority in the state senate. Republicans will soon have another chance to take the majority early next year. State Sen. Bethany Hall Long will vacate her seat in January after being elected last week as Delaware’s next Lieutenant Governor. Once she leaves, Governor-elect John Carney will call for a special election to replace her, which could happen around March.