Julie Morris announced recently that she planned to run as an independent for the 36th Representative seat in the Delaware Legislature, a seat currently held by Representative Bryan Shupe. Morris is currently preparing the necessary paperwork to file but is meeting with constituents in order to learn more about the issues they face.
“District 36 is growing quickly, and many residents are concerned that development is happening faster than infrastructure, schools and services can keep up,” Morris said. “Through my professional work and my involvement in local issues, I’ve seen how decisions made at the state level directly affect our communities.”
Morris decided to run as an independent as she believes the 36th needs practical leadership.
“We need leadership focused on responsible growth, infrastructure planning, protecting farmland and open space, while making sure the voices of local residents are heard in Dover,” Morris said. “This community shaped meme and I want to help protect its future.”
Morris was born and raised in Milford in a working family.
“My father was a boilermaker, and my mother was a nurse at Milford Hospital,” Morris said. “My parents also operated ABC 123 Daycare for many years, serving working families. My grandparents, Brownlow and June Morris, ran Brownie’s Bait and Tackle on Route 36, so my family’s roots in this community run deep.”
Professionally, Morris is a licensed social worker, where she is focused on helping individuals and families navigate complex healthcare systems, including palliative and supportive care case management. Through that work, Morris sees firsthand how state policies affect people in real life. Her husband works in public works, maintaining infrastructure in the community. Morris states that her family includes nurses and teachers who serve the district every day.
“Running as an independent always presents challenges because the two major parties have established political networks and campaign infrastructure,” Morris said. “However, many voters are increasingly frustrated with political division and are looking for independent voices focused on practical issues. My goal is to build a broad coalition of residents who care about responsible growth, infrastructure, protecting farmland and supporting working families across District 36.”
Morris is a regular attendee at Milford City Council meetings where she often speaks during the public comment portion of the meeting as well as at public hearings. Morris stated that any residents who want to introduce themselves or speak in person can find her at Milford City Council Chambers on Monday, March 9 at 5 PM. Anyone from the 36th who wish to talk to her personally are free to do so at that time. The City Council meeting begins at 6 PM.
In order to run for the 36th, a candidate must have lived in Delaware for three years and been a resident of that district for at least one year. The candidate must complete a Candidate Filing Packet with documents completed. Since Morris is filing as an independent, she will not be on the State Primary Ballot, but will appear on the General Election Ballot if she files before the candidate filing deadline of July 14, 2026, at noon,
The General Election will be held on November 3 from 7 AM to 8 PM. Early voting begins October 22 and ends November 1. For those that will need an absentee ballot, visit the Department of Elections online to learn the steps for that process.
