Dr. Mike Katz Faces Backlash from Republican Voters

Delaware Republicans are turning on Dr. Mike Katz, the party's controversial U.S. Senate nominee against incumbent Chris Coons, after he issued an official campaign statement calling on US House Republican Candidate Dr. Joe Arminio to withdraw from his race — some voters felt that this was tantamount to cancelling their primary vote for Arminio and giving McBride a win by forfeit.

Katz declined to help promote Arminio or invite him to his UDel forum event, and was seen responding to one of Arminio's campaign events online with a laugh emoji — a gesture voters say fell short of the unity expected of a top-ticket candidate; needless to say, it was not surprising when Katz's primary opponent launched a write-in campaign to oppose Katz in the general election.

The unease runs deeper: Katz was a Delaware Democratic state senator who did not become a Republican until after 2024, and grassroots voters now question his loyalty as he enjoys top priority and visibility on the ticket.

He trails Coons in the polls and lacks the incumbent's large war chest.

Some voters were also disappointed that Dr. Katz made broad accusations against his former State Senate Caucus, but offered no names or details.

On September 30, in a local radio interview, Katz slammed the Delaware Democrat Senators he worked with during his time in the state senate from 2009 to 2013 — going so far as to claim that the Delaware Democrat Caucus promoted a pay-to-play environment and that he was the recipient of threats and browbeating.

Voters expressed that they just wanted more information so that any corrupt officials might be held accountable, and that Katz is either choosing to let them off the hook or not brave enough to name names.

Early voting in Delaware began Oct. 22 and continues through Election Day, Nov. 3.