Christopher Coons

In-depth analysis and commentary on today's biggest news stories as only the BBC can deliver. BBC "Newshour" covers everything from the growth of democracy to the threat of terrorism with a fresh, clear perspective from across the globe.

U.S. Sen. Coons first won the seat in 2010 after Joe Biden resigned to become President Barack Obama’s vice president.

Delawareans have reelected U.S. Sen. Chris Coons to his seat in Congress after he easily defeated his Republican opponent, physician Mike Katz, Tuesday night.

This will be his fourth consecutive term in office. Coons was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010. The Associated Press called the race at 8 p.m.

As of 8:30 p.m., the Delaware Department of Elections website had Coons with 67.2% of the vote, compared to Katz’s 32.8%.

Coons celebrated the seats Democrats picked up Tuesday night across the country in his speech.

“We have been weeping in our isolation, in our loneliness, in our depression as we have watched this president break through barriers, break laws, break our culture,” he said. “And yet tomorrow morning, when you pick up your newspaper ‘Joy, joy, joy.’”

The Democrat bested three Democratic challengers in the primary election, securing nearly 80% of the votes, according to AP. Katz beat military veteran John Shulli to win the Republican nomination.

Election 2026 live updates: Harvie defeats Fitzpatrick, Democrats take U.S. House; full results

Follow along for live special coverage of the 2026 general election, with reporting on the ground from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

The senator said that if he were reelected, his top priorities would be raising wages, protecting residents from threats abroad and at home and rooting out corruption in Washington, D.C.

He has faced criticism primarily from the progressive side of the Democratic Party for his staunch support of Israel in its war in Gaza and his willingness to compromise with Republicans.

Coons, 62, lives in Wilmington with his wife and adult children.

The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

WHYY News coverage of Delaware's state government.

Sarah McBride sustains Democratic hold of Delaware’s at-large U.S. House seat

The Democratic incumbent will serve a second term after campaigning on affordability, health care access and protecting workers. Dems have held the seat since 2010.

Former Delaware lawmaker with history of violence against women poised to regain seat after winning three-way primary

John Atkins once resigned from his state House seat after a fight with his wife rather than face censure, and was later charged with felony strangulation of his girlfriend.

Delaware election 2026: What to know about the AG race between Kathy Jennings and David Graham

Graham is a Republican who is not an attorney but contends he can run the Department of Justice better than longtime prosecutor Jennings.

Sarah Mueller is WHYY News’ Delaware politics reporter.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal