Delaware General Assembly

Sen. Stephanie Hansen represents the 10th Senate District, which includes portions of Newark, Glasgow, Bear, Middletown and other communities along the western side of Southern New Castle County.

Hansen grew up downstate following her family’s move from Maryland’s Eastern Shore to be closer to her father’s job at the Seaford DuPont Plant. She graduated from Seaford Senior High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in earth science from the University of New Orleans. Hansen began her professional career as an environmental scientist, and later a hydrologist, at DNREC.

Hansen entered public service as the founder and first president of the Frenchtown Woods Civic Association and then the multi-community Bear Glasgow Council of Civic Organizations. She served as president of New Castle County Council from 1996 to 2001, and, while on council, graduated cum laude from Widener University School of Law.

In early 2017, Hansen won a special election to succeed Bethany Hall-Long, who had just been elected lieutenant governor.

Sen. Hansen quickly distinguished herself as a prolific legislator best known for her work on Delaware's energy policy, the opioid epidemic and a host of environmental and conservation issues, including the prevention of native species extinction and the promotion of renewable energy. She also formed the 10th Senate District Multicultural Committee to help foster understanding among different cultural communities and the HOA Leaders Forum for homeowner associations.

Sen. Hansen currently serves as chair of the Senate Environment & Energy Committee and vice chair of the Transportation Committee. She also serves as a member of the Health & Social Services, Elections & Government Affairs, Rules & Ethics, Executive, and Sunset committees.

She practiced environmental and administrative law in Delaware from 2001 to 2020 and served as the chair and vice-chair of the Environmental Section of the Delaware Bar at various points in her career. She recently retired from her law practice to concentrate on her duties as a senator.

Sen. Hansen and her husband David live in Middletown. She has five children and stepchildren and five grandchildren.

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