Laura Sturgeon

Laura Viviana Sturgeon is an American politician. She is a member of the Delaware Senate for District 4 and the first Latina to serve in the Delaware General Assembly.

Early life and career

Sturgeon was born in Florida and raised in Delaware. Her parents were immigrants from Argentina. She graduated from Brandywine High School and received her bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Delaware. She taught in Delaware public schools for over 20 years and served as a leader in the Delaware State Education Association, the largest union in Delaware.

Political career

Sturgeon was active in community groups and nonprofit organizations but had never held public office prior to challenging Republican Party|Republican] incumbent Greg Lavelle, who had been in the General Assembly for 18 years, where he served as Senate Minority Whip. The race between the two was considered a key race to watch in 2018. Sturgeon was endorsed by former Vice President Joe Biden.
On November 6, 2018, Sturgeon defeated Lavelle by winning 11,251 votes in the general election. Her victory was a major upset and was one of several losses for prominent Republicans in Delaware.
On November 8, 2022, Sturgeon won reelection to serve a two-year term. She defeated Republican challenger Ted Kittila by winning 10,762 votes.

Legislation

As a former teacher, Sturgeon is known for her education policy in the Senate. She sponsored a concurrent resolution establishing Delaware's Public Education Funding Commission and has introduced multiple bills to modernize reading instruction in the state.

Electoral history

2018: Sturgeon defeated Republican nominee Gregory F. Lavelle with 11,251 votes in the General Election held on November 6, 2018.
2022: Sturgeon defeated Republican nominee Ted Kittila with 10,762 votes in the General Election held on November 8, 2022.
2024: Sturgeon ran unopposed in the General Election held on November 5, 2024.