Retiring at end of current term / Image courtesy Delaware.gov
State Representative Kevin Hensley has announced that he will retire at the end of his term in November. Hensley – a Republican – cited health challenges in his decision to not seek re-election. He has represented the 9th District, which includes the Odessa, Townsend and Port Penn areas, since 2014. He is the 7th State House member to not seek re-election.
Additional information from Rep. Hensley:
Rep. Hensley said, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of the 9th District. I am deeply grateful for the trust they have placed in me over the years.”
Rep. Hensley represents the 9th District, which includes the Odessa, Townsend, and Port Penn areas. Outside of his legislative duties, Kevin also runs his own small business, serving as an Associate Broker with RE/MAX Eagle. He is also a Founding Member of the MOT Charter School and a Past School Board Member of the Appoquinimink School Board.
Over his 12 years in office, Kevin has been committed to working to improve public education in Delaware. One of his most important accomplishments has been championing legislation that has earmarked millions of dollars in state funding for school safety and security improvements throughout Delaware.
As the father of a child with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), Kevin has also been a tireless champion for nonprofit causes that support members of the IDD community. He was a steadfast advocate for the Michael McNesby Full-Funding for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Act, groundbreaking disability legislation focused on raising wages for front-line workers and ensuring a more stable, sustainable service system. In October 2022, Kevin received the “I/DD Champion Award” from Ability Network of Delaware for his efforts in securing increased state funding to go toward the Direct Support Professional care of individuals with disabilities.
Last month, Rep. Hensley was inducted into the New Castle County Board of Realtors Hall of Fame in recognition of his 30-year real estate career. In 2021, Odessa Fire Company awarded Kevin with an Honorary Membership to their organization for his tireless support of the fire department during his legislative tenure. In 2018, Rep. Hensley received the “Defender of Housing” award from the Home Builders Association of Delaware.
“Serving the people of this district has been the greatest honor of my career. I’ve always tried to make myself accessible, to listen carefully, and to respond when people needed help. Our monthly Constituent Coffees were never just events — they were opportunities to learn directly from the people I was elected to serve,” stated Rep. Hensley.
Kevin serves on the following House Committees: Economic Development/ Banking/Insurance & Commerce; Education; Health & Human Development; Housing; and Veterans Affairs. Rep. Hensley has been appointed to serve on the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) as the representative for the House Minority Caucus. He also serves on the ad-hoc House Small Business Caucus.
Prior to being elected himself, Kevin had the honor of serving as a Legislative Assistant to the late U.S. Senator William V. Roth, where his passion for public service really began.
Multiple State Officials have opted to retire at the end of the current term:
- State Senate/8th – David Sokola-D (1990-2026)
- State House/4th – Jeff Hilovsky-R (2022-2026)
- State House/6th – Debra Heffernan-D (2010-2026)
- State House/9th – Kevin Hensley-R (2014-2026)
- State House/15th – Dave Lawson-R (2010-2026)
- State House/33rd – Charles Postles-R (2016-2026)
- State House/38th – Ron Gray-R (2012-2026)
- State House/41st – Rich Collins-R (2014-2026)
- State Treasurer – Colleen Davis-D (2018-2026)
