Candidate briefing
Pamela Salaam defeated incumbent Franklin D. Cooke Jr. in the September 15, 2026 Democratic primary for Delaware State House District 16, winning 1,348 votes (57.4%) to Cooke’s 1,001 (42.6%). A retired health care worker and nonprofit leader endorsed by the Working Families Party, she campaigns for environmental justice, safer communities, and accessible care. Per official Delaware returns and Critical Report, no Republican qualified for HD-16, leaving Salaam the unopposed November progressive nominee. Political Revolution endorses Salaam for the Route 9 corridor seat.