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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Delaware State Senate District 05 Primary

The Delaware Senate is composed of 21 members, each of whom is elected to a four-year term, except when reapportionment occurs at which time Senators may be elected to a two-year term. There is no limit to the number of terms that a Senator may serve.State senators introduce and vote on proposed legislation, approve the annual budget for the state, and serve on assigned committees. The General Assembly of Delaware meets in Dover three days a week between mid-January and the end of June.

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  • Candidate picture

    Shay Frisby
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Ray Seigfried
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What are the most important challenges facing our state, and how do you propose to address them?

Homelessness in Delaware more than doubled in 2022. What legislation would you propose to reduce the number of unhoused in Delaware?

How likely are you to support gun legislation such as safe storage or banning assault weapons?

What, if anything, should our state do over the long term to ensure quality healthcare at an affordable cost for all?

Do you support unaffiliated voters voting in primary elections?

Campaign Website http://TogetherwithShay.com
Campaign Phone 302-365-0913
Neighborhood/area of residence Claymont
Education Masters Administration of Justice and Leadership
Work Experience Early Childhood Educator, program Manager at Stand By Me Financial Empowerment, Trainer Educator Specialist III /Supervisor at the Division of Social Services
Community Involvement Civic Association, Former Member of the Claymont Renaissance Development Corp., Lions Club Member, Member of 7th RD and The Claymont Coalition for Enviormental Justice
Additional Information For the past 4 years I have organized the Annual Claymont Community Day and Health Fair
1) I am deeply concerned about soaring rent and the dearth of affordable housing, which both lead to homelessness. I will fight for legislation that protects the rights of renters, stabilizes rents, and prioritizes affordable housing construction.

2) Education equity is a growing issue. I want DE to implement a funding scheme that ensures all districts, especially low-income districts, have proper resources. I also want to invest in more youth development programs, and to implement universal childcare akin to New Mexico’s recently passed legislation.

3) I feel that we are placing too much of the tax burden on the working class. I want the state to shift toward a progressive taxation framework wherein the rich pay a fair share.
Housing is a basic human right, and we need to stop criminalizing homelessness. I would champion legislation for affordable housing, eviction protection and rental assistance, and better coordination across state agencies to name a few. I also would support the platform of the HOMES Campaign, and wish to see a bill of rights passed for individuals experiencing homelessness. Ultimately, I think it is morally repugnant that a nation this wealthy has yet to provide housing to all. No one should ever have to be unhoused.
I believe we can protect the Second Amendment while also taking common sense steps to reduce gun violence and keep communities safe. Responsible gun ownership and safety should go hand in hand.
I strongly believe that the best option for healthcare is universal healthcare provided by the federal government, and this is why I am proud of my endorsement from US Senator Bernie Sanders. Until that day arrives, I believe Delaware needs to pass legislation that will curb costs. While I applaud parts of the recently passed SB1, I also think it leaves too many options for healthcare provides keep costs unaffordable, and would like to see it amended.

Since nearly 1/3 of Delawareans rely on Medicaid for their healthcare, I want to see that program properly funded. I also would like to see a Medicaid buy-in option passed, which would effectively be a public option for healthcare.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Campaign Phone 3025280664
Neighborhood/area of residence Arden
Education Bloomsburg University and Antioch University
Work Experience Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Hospital Director at different hospitals, SVP at Christiana Hospital System, Professor at Arcadia University
Community Involvement Elected chairman of Ardens Community Planning, Board member Wilmington Hope Commission, Facilitate Wilmington Cease Violence
Campaign Facebook Page http://rayfordelaware.com
Not enough space to answer this question, I have answers. I will list the challenges. • Hospital & Primary Care Costs • Prescription Drug Affordability: Election Integrity Affordable Housing Energy Cost Increases & Data Center Guardrails Economic Growth & Workforce Development • Environment: Combat climate change, protect clean water, and preserve open space and farmland. Care Infrastructure fights for expanded childcare incentives and support for nursing and elder care.
To tackle homelessness effectively, Delaware must combine immediate shelter capacity with long-term housing stability: • Municipal Grants: Provide state grant funding to counties and municipalities to expand emergency shelter beds, supportive housing, and street outreach teams. • Inter-Agency Alignment: Establish a structured, coordinated planning framework uniting state agencies, local governments, and non-profit housing providers to streamline resources to expedite moving unhoused residents into permanent housing.
Strongly Support. Common-sense gun safety laws save lives and protect communities: • Firearm Dealer Accountability: I voted for SB 300, which requires state licensing for firearm dealers, centralized recordkeeping, mandatory background checks, staff training, and recurring inspections. • Assault Weapons Ban: HB 450 (Delaware’s 2022 Assault Weapons Ban). In the absence of a federal standard, this remains our state's most effective tool to keep dangerous assault weapons off our streets.
Over the long term, Delaware must fundamentally shift away from expensive fee-for-service care toward preventive, value-based healthcare. Through SB 1, we are expanding access to primary care so health issues are treated early, while capping commercial hospital prices. By curbing runaway hospital charges and prioritizing routine primary care, we will bend the long-term healthcare cost curve, making coverage affordable and sustainable for every Delaware family.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree