Delaware GOP Picks Arminio to Challenge Rep. McBride

Delaware Republicans chose political scientist Joseph "Dr. Joe" Arminio on Tuesday to run for their single seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. This decision sidestepped both the party's official endorsement and its 2024 nominee, setting up a November showdown against Rep. Sarah McBride from Delaware.

Arminio beat out Rev. Earl Cooper, who carried the GOP's seal of approval, and John Whalen, the former representative for this seat in 2024. With that primary victory secured, Arminio is now positioned to challenge McBride on Nov. 3.

McBride took Delaware's at-large House seat last year. She became the first openly transgender person elected to Congress after beating Whalen by about 16 percentage points. Republicans have not won this district since 2008, and McBride is now aiming for her second term in that deep-blue stronghold.

Arminio, a native of Wilmington, holds a doctorate in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research focused on national defense policy and international relations, according to WHYY, a public media outlet based in Philadelphia. He also earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Johns Hopkins University. His teaching resume includes American University and Lincoln University.

This Tuesday marked Arminio's first congressional run in Delaware, though he has campaigned before elsewhere. In 2008, he sought the Republican nomination in Maryland's 1st Congressional District but received roughly 1.6% of the vote in a four-way primary that Andy Harris won, per WHYY.

Arminio focused his campaign on economic struggles. He argued that heavy public and private debt is squeezing American families to their breaking point. Inflation and high costs for groceries, gasoline, and housing rank among the toughest challenges facing Delaware right now.

"The Republican country for that matter is in dire peril," Arminio told WHYY during an interview. "The economy's in very bad shape. We're suffering from crushing private and public debt. So your typical family is having a hard time making ends meet. The young cannot afford to buy a home. They're having difficulty in their relationships, getting married. It's very, very serious."

Now he must try to end the Democratic hold on Delaware's lone House seat. Democrats have controlled this district since John Carney took over after former U.S. Rep. Mike Castle retired and left office without seeking reelection in 2010. Instead of running for Congress, Castle chose a run for the U.S. Senate.