Three Candidates To Seek Delaware House District 3 Seat
The candidates for Delaware House District 3 will face off in the election scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Elections
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Voters in Wilmington will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to decide the next representative for the state's 3rd House District. The race features three candidates: Branden Fletcher-Dominguez, Shawn Dottery, and Dexter Bland.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election will determine who represents the neighborhoods of Hilltop, Little Italy, Hedgeville, and Browntown in the state legislature. Candidates have outlined their specific stances on key local issues, including housing, education, and infrastructure policy.
The race features 26-year-old Democratic primary winner Branden Fletcher-Dominguez, 39-year-old independent candidate Dexter Bland, and former banking professional Shawn Dottery. These three candidates are vying to represent the 3rd House District.
The players
Branden Fletcher-Dominguez
He is the Democratic primary winner for Delaware House District 3.
Shawn Dottery
He is a former banking professional and a candidate for the District 3 seat.
Dexter Bland
He is a 39-year-old youth mentor running as an independent candidate for the district.
The details
The candidates are competing to represent the Wilmington district that includes the neighborhoods of Hilltop, Little Italy, Hedgeville, and Browntown. All three contenders have participated in a questionnaire process to define their positions on education, housing, and infrastructure.
Timeline
The election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026.
This report was published on October 21, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the current legislative direction often argue that established party platforms do not sufficiently address the unique economic needs of Wilmington neighborhoods. Independent candidates frequently highlight these gaps in policy as a primary reason for their platform.
Residents of Hilltop, Little Italy, Hedgeville, and Browntown will have their legislative representation decided by the result of this election. The winner will hold responsibility for voting on state-level infrastructure and education funding that directly affects local household budgets.
The takeaway
Voters should review the candidate responses regarding housing and infrastructure to understand how each platform aligns with local needs. Comparing the backgrounds of the three candidates can provide clarity on their experience and potential legislative priorities.
Further reading
Learn more about local races on the Wilmington Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News Journal.
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