Margaret Rose Henry facts for kids

Margaret Rose Henry was born on June 20, 1944. She is an American politician who served in the Delaware Senate for many years, from 1994 to 2018. She made history as the first African-American woman to be elected to the Delaware Senate.

In September 2017, Senator Henry announced that she would not run for re-election for her seat in District 2. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Southern University and her Master of Arts degree from Springfield College.

About Margaret Rose Henry

Margaret Rose Henry is known for her important work in the Delaware Senate. She was the first African-American woman to achieve this position. During her time in office, she focused on making things better for people in her state.

Her Work in the Senate

One of her main goals was to improve the juvenile justice system. This system helps young people who have broken the law. She worked to make sure it was fair and helpful for them.

Senator Henry also helped create a program to promote public health. This program aimed to keep people healthy and prevent the spread of diseases in the community.

In March 2018, her hard work was recognized. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce. This award honored her many years of service and dedication.

Views on Important Issues

Margaret Rose Henry also supported laws about guns. She believed in stricter rules for certain types of weapons. In 2018, she supported a bill that aimed to ban assault weapons.

Her Elections

Margaret Rose Henry had an interesting path in politics. She started her career as a Republican before becoming a Democrat.

Early Elections

In 1994, Henry ran for the Senate as a Republican. She wanted to take the place of Herman Holloway Sr., who had left his position. She won the Republican primary election with a large number of votes. Then, she won the general election on November 8, 1994, against the Democratic candidate.

Switching Parties

In 1998, Margaret Rose Henry changed her political party. She became a Democrat. In that year's general election, she ran unopposed, meaning no one ran against her. She won with many votes.

Later Elections

After switching parties, Henry continued to win her elections. In 2002, she won the Democratic primary and then ran unopposed in the general election. She also ran unopposed in the general elections of 2004, 2008, and 2012, winning each time with increasing support.

In 2014, she faced a Republican opponent, Robert F. Martin. Margaret Rose Henry won that general election with a strong majority of the votes.