Peter Schwartzkopf | |
|---|---|
| Speaker of the Delaware House of Representatives | |
| In office January 8, 2013 – June 30, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Gilligan |
| Succeeded by | Valerie Longhurst |
| Majority Leader of the Delaware House of Representatives | |
| In office January 13, 2009 – January 8, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Richard C. Cathcart |
| Succeeded by | Valerie Longhurst |
| Member of the Delaware House of Representatives from the 14th district | |
| In office November 6, 2002 – November 5, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Richard DiLiberto |
| Succeeded by | Claire Snyder-Hall |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 15, 1955 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Delaware Technical Community College Wilmington University (BA) |
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 represented the 14th district from 2002 to 2024.[1] 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.[2]
He served as Majority Leader of the House from 2009 to 2013 before being elected Speaker of the House in 2013.[1] He stepped down from his role as speaker in June 2024 and was replaced by Valerie Longhurst.[3]
In 2023, Schwartzkopf announced his intention to not seek reelection in the following year.[3] He subsequently endorsed former state auditor Kathy McGuiness to take his seat representing the 14th district.[4] Schwartzkopf is a longtime friend of McGuiness, who was forced to resign as auditor in 2022 after her criminal conviction for misdemeanor conflict of interest, a charge which Schwartkopf described as "bogus" in his endorsement.[2][4] McGuiness subsequently lost the primary election to Claire Snyder-Hall, who was elected to fill the seat in the general election.[5]
- ^ a b "Representative Peter C. Schwartzkopf". Delaware General Assembly.
- ^ a b Barrish, Cris (July 25, 2022). "Delaware House speaker won't join effort to oust auditor, calls it 'political theater'". WHYY-FM.
- ^ a b Shull, Bill; Steele, Melissa (July 25, 2023). "Schwartzkopf announces retirement from office". Cape Gazette.
- ^ a b Barrish, Cris (May 9, 2024). "A Delaware auditor was convicted of corruption. Now she's running for state House". WHYY-FM.
- ^ Steele, Melissa (November 5, 2024). "Snyder-Hall tops Simpler to win District 14 seat". Cape Gazette.