Ever since Valerie was first elected to the Delaware House of Representatives in 2004, she’s been working diligently to make positive changes for the residents of the 15th District–and for all Delawareans. Val’s accomplishments have been far reaching, and many Delawareans are proud to offer their endorsements, testimonials, and personal stories.
“Delaware took a powerful step forward by supporting women’s economic security and the nationwide movement for equal pay. The bills signed work together to ensure that women can share information about their pay, make decisions about their reproductive health, and care for families without fear of losing their jobs. I know firsthand that laws like these make an incredible difference in the lives of women and their families. We need legislators like Valerie Longhurst to stand up for women’s issues.” – Lily Ledbetter, National Pay Equality Advocate
“Valerie Longhurst is a confident leader who listens to the needs of small businesses and stands up to make tough decisions. The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce named Valerie the 2014 Small Business Guardian as a reflection of her strong and measurable leadership.” – Richard Heffron, President of the State Chamber of Commerce
“As a business owner in Delaware City, I couldn’t ask for a better State Representative than Valerie Longhurst. Her legislation promoting the private-public partnership for the Fort DuPont State Park redevelopment project is the latest example of her commitment to economic growth for the small business community.” – Dave Curran, TRI-Supply & Equipment, President
“My daughter was born with Down Syndrome and she requires speech therapy to aid in her development. Delaware has a serious lack of speech therapies and no one was able to help us. Longhurst listened and worked tirelessly for a solution. Valerie achieves real results using her compassion and tenacity. The families of the 15th district directly benefit from her experience and leadership.” – Samtra K. Devard, Constituent and parent in 15th district
“Valerie Longhurst has a track record of supporting initiatives that make Delaware a great place to live, improving our quality of life, and most importantly, fighting for the middle class. Valerie cares about working people and about leveling the playing field for small business.” – Doug Drummond, IBEW Local 313, Business Agent
“Rep. Longhurst resolved our issues, repaired our sidewalks and repaved our streets. She keeps us informed and is readily available to discuss and resolve issues that affect our community. We need to vote to re-elect Valerie Longhurst as our State Representative.” – Susan McHale, Former President of Pinewoods/Forrest Glenn Maintenance Corporation
“Valerie Longhurst has been an integral part of the growth and development of Bear Babe Ruth. She has served the league in many capacities, always as a volunteer. Longhurst is the main reason our league exists today on its new 31 acre complex. Val has true vision and is strong leader committed to our families and community.” – Greg Panchisin, Founder and past President of Bear Babe Ruth
“Valerie fearlessly takes on unpopular legislation when it’s in the best interest of her constituents. My children faced permanently losing their teacher due to maternity leave. Longhurst passed legislation to enhance the Family Medical Leave Act to include teachers and their classroom assignments.” – Karen Matterson, Constituent and parent in 15th district
“On Tuesday, March 15th 2014, I attended the General Assembly session at the House of Representatives when I was honored by Representative Valerie Longhurst for placing in the Top 10 as Miss America and for being named one of America’s Choice. I admire Representative Longhurst for her commitment to our state and most importantly for advocating on behalf of people with Alopecia. Her daughter, Peyton had lost her hair as a child and ignited a fire in Valerie to represent people just like her at the state level.” – Kayla Martel, Miss Delaware 2010
“Thank you so much for your donations to our Back Pack Drive. It was a huge success! Your generosity was greatly appreciated.” – Delaware City Lions Club
“Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to help enhance our learning.” – Ms. Watts’ class, B5 Southern Elementary School
“Valerie Longhurst is a strong and steady voice for her constituents in Dover. She uses her experience to bring people together and can always find a sensible solution that works for everyone.” – Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, Delaware Speaker of the House
“I want to thank you for your important work to help save lives by preventing gun violence. I may not be from Delaware, but I do know about the unspeakable grief that accompanies the deaths of loved ones who have been killed by gun violence. Four months ago I wrote an opinion editorial in The News Journal, urging Delaware legislature to pass House Bill 325, legislation that would close the “Charleston Loophole,” and today I am so proud of you and the state leaders for taking action. Over one year ago in June, I received the devastating news that my mother and a pair of my cousins were among the nine people who had been killed at AME Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina…Your dedication to public safety and willingness to stand strong in the face of opposition for the great state of Delaware is clear through your championship of common-sense policies to reduce gun violence. Thank you for all of the hard work you have done and I know you will continue to do. Leaders like you are a powerful example in the United States for what good can be done when we act together, with love and faith, to reduce gun violence” – Rev. Sharon Risher, Everytown Survivor Network, Ministersharonrisher@yahoo.com
“Thank you for standing up for equality by voting in support of SB30- The Civil Union bill.” – Charles and Steve Campbell-King
“I wanted to say thank you for your efforts to get a school nurse stipend for us. Thank you for enduring my many phone calls over the last 2 years! We greatly appreciate the financial assistance especially in these economically trying times.” – Maria LeNoir, RN, BSN(Upper School nurse) and Heiddy DiGregorio, RN (Elem Nurse)
“You are a voice for these who need one an “ear” when we need that too. Thanks for everything you do to help people with disabilities. It makes a tremendous difference in their lives now and in the future!” – Verna Hensley, Easter Seals of Delaware
“There are no words to express my gratitude for not only your leadership of HB90, but for the kindness and compassion you’ve shown me over the last few weeks. When Jeremy died, I began receiving dimes, so many that my sons made me a special bank to save them. ( I have every one!) Please accept one of Jeremy’s as a small token of my heartfelt thanks for everything you’ve done. I hope we can continue to work together on youth initiatives.” – Cyndi McLaughlin, Hope for Better Tomorrow and mom to Jeremy
“Thank you again for taking the time to come and present at the walk in May. It was really great having you there to give your personal connection to the true disease and I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet you. I will, of course, keep you posted on our continued progress. In the meantime, please accept the enclosed “souvenirs” from the walk. Thanks again, the first ever in Delaware!” – Chris Grunder, Founder and President of The Kelly-Heinz-Grunder Brain Tumor Foundation
“You are our heroine even with “tough love.” Thanks for doing the right thing even when it is hard! We know we can count on you, Val!” – Bobbie Hemmerich, Manufactured Housing Advocate
“Thank you for sponsoring the proclamation for “Children of Alcoholics week.” I shared with the Board of the DACOA my day in Dover. They also send their thanks.” – Barbara Ridge, President of Delaware Association for Children of Alcoholics
“Rep. Longhurst the students and I would like to thank you for helping facilitate a very enjoyable day at the capital last week. The students loved their experience. Thank you for always taking such good care of us, here at Colonial School District!” – Becky Glenn, 4th grade teacher, Wilbur Elementary School.
“Thank you so much for sharing your time and wisdom with our families.” – Parent Information Center of Delaware Inc.
“The Board of Chandeleur Woods would like to thank you for all the work that was done on our pond on Willamette Drive. We know you were the driving force behind this project and without all your help it would probably be years away for it to be completed. We were just up checking it out and it sure looks great. All the residents who back up to it should be very happy as it is a great improvement.” – The Board of Chandeleur Woods
“On behalf of the Wynthorpe Community, I want to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for so generously funding the much needed landscaping and lighting for our community signs. It provided a lovely and welcoming addition. We are blessed to have you as our State Representative and grateful for your care and advocacy for our homes and towns.” – Wynthorpe Maintenance Corporation
“A note of thanks for your support of home schooling in Delaware . This right of parents to be able to educate their children according to conscience is fundamental to the family. We hope to raise children who are productive members of society, care about other and affect culture in a positive manner. We pray for you and others in making decisions for all Delawareans. Enjoy goodness from the Philippines where our family adopted children are from and more enjoy the freedoms here in the US.” – Lisa Teodoro, Constituent and parent in 15th district