UPDATED: John Atkins Files as Candidate for 41st District Representative

April 10, 2026/Mari Lou

John Atkins-Fiancee Jennifer Boyer/Image courtesy John Atkins

UPDATED – 04/10/26 – After announcing his intention to run for the 41st District House seat, John Atkins has filed to run for the seat. He is the third Republican to file for the seat being vacated by Rich Collins, who is retiring at the end of the current term.

Atkins, who represented the district as both a Republican and a Democrat from 2003 to 2014, will face off against Douglas Conaway and Jacki Slonin in the September 15th Primary Election.

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ORIGINAL STORY – 03/06/26 – John Atkins of Millsboro has announced that he will again run for the 41st Representative District seat. Atkins is a lifelong Sussex Countian, small business owner and family man and pledges experienced leadership, proven results, and a renewed commitment to the people and communities that have shaped his life for 55 years. Atkins has served the 41st District as both a Republican and a Democrat – from 2003 to 2014 and built a record for delivering tangible results for Sussex County.

Additional information from John Atkins:

“As a lifelong Sussex Countian, my roots run deep in this community,” Atkins said. “It means everything to me that our families have safe streets, strong schools, good jobs, and a great quality of life. I’m running to ensure Sussex County continues to thrive — not just today, but for generations to come.”

Proven Leadership. Action. Results.

Throughout his public service, Atkins has built a record focused on delivering tangible results for
Sussex County:   

  • Worked to achieve full funding and secure the State Veterans Home in Sussex County. 
  • Secured major funding for road and infrastructure projects within the 41st District.   
  • Wrote legislation protecting homeowners’ right to display the American flag regardless of deed
    restrictions.   
  • Created and chaired the House Poultry Task Force to respond to Avian Influenza and protect
    one of Sussex County’s core industries.   
  • Maintained a 100% attendance record in the General Assembly.

Standing Up for Sussex County

Atkins believes Sussex County needs experienced representation in Dover now more than ever.

“With upstate Democrats running roughshod over Sussex County, we cannot afford to send someone with no experience to Legislative Hall,” Atkins said. “We need someone who understands how Dover works, who already has the relationships in place, and who knows how to secure our fair share of funding.”

Atkins has long advocated for balanced growth that protects Sussex County’s character while
strengthening its economy. He pledges to continue battling reckless development while supporting farmers, families, and small businesses.

Restoring One-on-One Constituent Services

Atkins is committed to bringing back the kind of responsive, hands-on constituent service that ensures every resident feels heard and represented.

“I believe your State Representative must be accessible, accountable, and present in the community,” Atkins said. “I will continue providing the personal, one-on-one service that the people of the 41st District expect and deserve. I am just one phone call away.”

Rooted in Our Community

Atkins says this campaign comes down to trust, experience, and commitment.

“This district doesn’t need on-the-job training,” he said. “It needs leadership we can trust — leadership rooted in our community. I have spent my life here, I have delivered results here, and I am ready to continue fighting for the people of the 41st District.”

For more information or to get involved, residents of the 41st District are encouraged to visit
John Atkins’ Facebook page.

 

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