Some Delaware lawmakers are fighting for equal representation on the State Supreme Court, passing a bipartisan bill today in the House that could potentially affect the confirmation of Governor John Carney’s two nominees.
House Bill 135, passed the House on Thursday with 37 voting in favor and four absent.
The bill would require representation from all three counties on the state’s highest court. Meaning, that of the five Justices that comprise the court, one would have to be from Kent County, another from Sussex County, and at least two from New Castle County. The fifth seat will be at large and could be filled by a candidate from any of the three counties.
State Representative Bryan Shupe, a Republican who represents part of Kent County, tells us it would be unfair to the people who live in Kent County not to have representation on the state’s highest court.
“We want them to live in these communities and from across the State of Delaware,” Rep. Shupe explained. “So that when they make decisions, they understand from where they’re living and how it’s going to impact our communities on the ground level.”