Democratic candidate and Delaware Center for Justice Executive Director Alonna Berry won the state House District 20 special election Aug. 5, edging out her opponent by 121 votes.
Berry received 4,653 votes in the district that serves the Milton and Lewes areas. Republican Nikki Miller received 4,532 votes, according to unofficial results from the state Department of Elections.
Berry said she initially set out to run not just to fill an open seat, but to show up and be present for her constituents, focus on high-quality education, workforce development, and brace for statewide and federal budget cuts.
This special election was called to fill the seat left vacant by former House Rep. Stell Parker Selby, who stepped down from her position earlier this summer.
Berry is set to fill the remainder of Parker Selby’s term for the Milton- and Lewes-area district, which is slated to expire in November 2026.
How we got here: Who's on the ballot? Meet the special election candidates running for Parker Selby's seat
Who is Alonna Berry?
A self-described “multi-generational Sussex Countian,” Berry has extensive experience working in and related to state government.
This includes her work as a senior policy adviser for health, equity and education under then-Gov. John Carney’s administration and as Delaware’s “first statewide trauma-informed care coordinator.”
Throughout her campaign, Berry pledged to achieve high-quality education, workforce development, support for local businesses and broadening access to restorative justice and related alternative programming.
She also vowed to work alongside members on both sides of the political aisle to ensure community protection.
In other legislative news: What could be done? In reassessment fallout, legislative roadmap still in the works
Berry competed against Republican nominee Nikki Miller, a long-time educator who prioritized protecting farmland and open spaces, improving traffic, “proactive constituent service” and “common sense solutions to everyday issues,” among other key focuses.
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Alonna Barry wins Delaware House seat for Milton, Lewes district
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