Peter Schwartzkopf

Peter C. Schwartzkopf (born January 15, 1955) is an American politician and former Speaker of the Delaware House of Representatives. A member of the Democratic Party, he has represented the 14th district since 2002. His district covers Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Dewey Beach in Sussex County. Prior to his election to the House, he was a state police officer.

He served as Majority Leader of the House from 2009 to 2013 before being elected Speaker of the House in 2013. He stepped down from his role as speaker in June 2024 and was replaced by Valerie Longhurst.

In 2023, Schwartzkopf announced his intention to not seek reelection in the following year. He subsequently endorsed former state auditor Kathy McGuiness to take his seat representing the 14th district. Schwartzkopf is a longtime friend of McGuiness, who was forced to resign as auditor in 2022 after her criminal conviction for misdeameanor conflict of interest, a charge which Schwartkopf descirbed as "bogus" in his endorsement.

Electoral history

 * In 2002, Schwartzkopf won the general election with 4,530 votes (53.1%) against Republican nominee Michael A. Meoli and Libertarian nominee Everett M. Wodiska.
 * In 2004, Schwartzkopf won the general election with 8,396 votes (67.8%) against Republican nominee Mary Spicer and Libertarian nominee Everett M. Wodiska.
 * In 2006, Schwartzkopf won the general election with 6,610 votes (69.2%) against Republican nominee Kirk A. Pope Jr. and Independent nominee Maurice J. Barros.
 * In 2008, Schwartzkopf was unopposed in the general election, winning 10,616 votes.
 * In 2010, Schwartzkopf won the general election with 6,425 votes (53.7%) against Republican nominee Christopher J. Weeks.
 * In 2012, Schwartzkopf won the general election with 8,250 votes (89.9%) against Libertarian nominee Margaret V. Melson.
 * In 2014, Schwartzkopf was unopposed in the general election, winning 5,911 votes.
 * In 2016, Schwartzkopf won the Democratic primary with 1,868 votes (73.9%) against Don R. Peterson. He went on to win the general election with 9,297 votes (63.6%) against Republican nominee James Louis DeMartino.
 * In 2018, Schwartzkopf won the general election with 8,530 votes (62.5%) in a rematch against Republican nominee James Louis DeMartino.