Bryan Shupe, who currently holds the District 36 Representative Seat in the state legislature will face Patrick Smith in the primary on September 15 for the third time. Shupe won the seat in 2018, replacing retiring Harvey Kenton who served four consecutive terms in that position.
“When I first decided to run for state representative, it wasn’t because I had always planned on holding elected office, it came from years of working with local nonprofits, small businesses, community organizations, and residents to solve problems in Milford,” Shupe said. “I saw firsthand that many of the challenges facing our communities, from the cost of living and education to economic development and public safety, required leadership at the state level.”
As a small business owner, Shupe understood the impact that state policies have on families, employers and local communities.
“I believed Delaware needed more practical solutions-oriented leadership that focused on bringing people together rather than dividing them,” Shupe said. “I ran because I wanted to ensure that the values and priorities of the people in the 36th District were represented in Dover. My goal has always been to listen first, work across different groups to find common ground, and make decisions based on what is best for the people and communities I serve.”
Before entering public service, Shupe spent his career building businesses and investing in the community where he was born and raised. He graduated from Milford High School in 2002 and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Delaware. At age 26, he founded Milford Live, which later expanded into Delaware Live News. Over the past 15 years, he and his wife have built and operated Fur Baby Pet Resort with locations in Milford, Delaware and Easton, Maryland.
“We also co-founded Farmacy Market and have invested in downtown Milford by renovating two historic properties: the former Milford Fertilizer site and the former Acme building on Walnut Street,” Shupe said. “My wife, Sherry and I have been married for more than decade and are raising our two children in Milford: our nine-year-old daughter, Evelyn, and our six-year-old son, Theodore. My experience as a business owner, husband, father and lifelong Delawarean have shaped my approach to public service and my commitment to strengthening the community I call home.”
Shupe’s biggest challenges have been balancing public service with family life and running small businesses.
“Serving as a state representative is a significant responsibility, and legislative work doesn’t stop when the General Assembly is out of session,” Shupe said. “At the same time, my wife and I have continued to operate our businesses while raising two young children. Another challenge has been campaigning in a way that stays true to who I am. I’ve always believed campaigns should be about ideas, solutions and earning people’s trust through conversations – not just slogans or attacks. That means spending countless hours knocking on doors, attending community events, listening to constituents and being accessible year-round, not just during election season.”
Shupe says those challenges have helped reinforce why he serves.
They keep me connected to the everyday experiences of Delaware families and remind me that every decision made in Dover has a real impact on the people back home,” Shupe said.
If elected again, Shupe wants to continue focusing on the issues that have the greatest impact on Delaware families.
“My priorities are lowering the cost of living, improving access to quality healthcare, strengthening public education, supporting public safety, protecting local decision-making and ensuring state government lives within its means,” Shupe said. “I also want to continue bringing people together across the business community, nonprofits, local governments, schools, faith organizations, and residents to find practical solutions to the challenges our communities face. Some of the best ideas come from listening to the people who experience these issues every day. Above all, I want to continue being accessible, responsive representative who is present in the community, listens to constituents, and works to leave Delaware stronger for the next generation.”
Shupe believes what sets him apart from his opponent is his commitment to the community.
“My commitment to this community didn’t begin when I ran for office and it doesn’t end after Election Day,” Shupe said. “Long before serving in the General Assembly, I was working alongside our community through my small businesses, my church, and local nonprofit organizations. Whether it was creating jobs, supporting the community is a year-round commitment. As a small business owner, I’ve spent my career solving problems, creating opportunities and investing in the community where I was born and raised. Those experiences taught me how to bring people together, build consensus and find practical solutions – not just talk about problems.”
Shupe stated that he brings the same approach to public service.
“My goal has always been to be present, accessible and focused on delivering real results for the people of the 36th district,” Shupe said. “Not just during an election year, but every day, I’m honored to serve.”
