Michael Katz
Michael Katz (Democratic Party) was a member of the Delaware State Senate, representing District 4. He assumed office in 2009. He left office in 2013.
Katz (Independent Party) ran for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Delaware. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Biography
Katz earned his B.S. from Bates College, his MBA from the Georgetown University School of Business and his M.D. from the Georgetown University School of Medicine. His professional experience includes working as a physician and anesthesiologist.
Committee assignments
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Katz served on these committees:
- Administrative Services/Elections Chair
- Education
- Energy & Transit
- Revenue & Taxation
- Small Business
- Sunset
- Joint Sunset Committee
2009-2010
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Katz served on these committees:
Elections
2024
See also: United States Senate election in Delaware, 2024
General election
General election for U.S. Senate Delaware
Lisa Blunt Rochester defeated Eric Hansen and Michael Katz in the general election for U.S. Senate Delaware on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Lisa Blunt Rochester (D) | 56.6 | 283,298 |
 | Eric Hansen (R)  | 39.5 | 197,753 | |
 | Michael Katz (Independent Party) | 3.9 | 19,555 | |
| Total votes: 500,606 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Lisa Blunt Rochester advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Delaware.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Pamela Brown (D)
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Eric Hansen advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Delaware.
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- William Taylor (R)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Katz in this election.
Pledges
Katz signed the following pledges.
2012
- See also: Delaware State Senate elections, 2012
Katz ran for re-election in the 2012 election for Delaware State Senate District 4. Katz ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on September 11, 2012 and was defeated by Gregory Lavelle in the general election on November 6, 2012.[1][2]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican |  Gregory Lavelle |
50.8% | 11,970 | |
| Democratic | Michael Katz Incumbent | 47.5% | 11,188 | |
| Libertarian | Marcia Groff | 1.7% | 410 | |
| Total Votes | 23,568 | |||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Katz won election to the Delaware State Senate from Delaware's 4th Senate District. Katz defeated John Clatworthy (R). Katz received 11,296 votes, while Clatworthy received 11,004 votes.[3] Katz raised $97,039 for his campaign in 2008, while Clatworthy raised $201,091.[4]
| Delaware State Senate, District 4 (2008) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Michael Katz (D)
|
11,296 | 50.7% | ||
| John Clatworhty (R) | 11,004 | 49.3% | ||
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Michael Katz did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign website
Katz’s campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
Why I am an Independent As an Independent, I am running to eliminate corruption and the influence of money from our government to create a system that truly works for everyone. I refuse to accept donations for my campaign—this is a completely grassroots, volunteer-driven movement that puts citizens back in charge of their government. I am working to change the political system from governance by career politicians, to governance by servant leaders—leaders who prioritize people over party and service above self. As a servant leader, I am guided by the foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution—liberty, justice, and equality for all—and follow a code of conduct that recognizes our common humanity, values respect, unity, and collaboration. Together, we can solve the big problems facing our society by working for the good of all Americans. Economy - Jobs - Cost of Living A strong and resilient economy is vital to improving the standard of living for all Americans. Rising inflation and increasing costs have made it difficult for many to save, retire, and maintain their purchasing power. With my extensive experience in economics and business, I know how to rebuild an economy that works for everyone. By investing in education and workforce development, introducing tax reforms that spur economic growth, reducing the corporate tax burden, incentivizing business investment, and achieving energy independence, we can create lasting economic growth. Together, we can ensure fiscal responsibility and secure a stable, prosperous future for generations to come. A robust U.S. economy opens doors for every American, offering better job prospects, increased wages, improved well-being, and the means to access goods and services that enhance their quality of life. Dr. Mike Katz, with his extensive business and executive leadership experience, is prepared to lead in the U.S. Senate by directing and executing comprehensive policies and strategies that fortify the nation’s economy. As an independent servant leader, devoted solely to the best interests of all Delawareans rather than a political party, Mike is well-positioned to unite Senators and Congress members from both political parties, fostering collaboration to enact legislation that improves the lives of all Americans. Dr. Mike’s focus revolves around crucial areas and strategies aimed at building a competitive and resilient American economy that solves complex upstream challenges:
A strong American economy requires comprehensive policies grounded on upstream problem-solving that addresses the multifactorial interconnected issues defining our economy. Healthcare As a pediatric critical care anesthesiologist with 40 years of experience in the U.S. healthcare industry, I understand firsthand what it truly takes to fix America’s broken and expensive healthcare system—far more than career politicians or corporate interests do. While our healthcare system is excellent at treating the sickest patients, it is also one of the most expensive in the world, consuming 17% of our GDP. Despite this, it fails to improve the overall health of the nation. We need a fundamental shift—from simply treating illness to preventing it. By focusing on changing behaviors, promoting healthier lifestyles, and investing in community and public health, we can build a healthcare system that delivers high-quality care at a lower cost, ensuring access for every citizen, regardless of their zip code. Dr. Mike Katz brings over forty years of dedicated service to the U.S. healthcare industry, a journey that began as a teenager working as a phlebotomist in New Haven hospitals. His diverse roles have ranged from caring for critically ill children as a pediatric critical care anesthesiologist to managing and advising surgical facilities and health systems, focusing on operational efficiencies and health system integration. He has devoted decades of his career to the tireless pursuit of refining and advancing healthcare policies at both the state and national levels. Dr. Mike possesses a profound understanding of America’s health system, acknowledging its strengths, successes, weaknesses, and instances where it has fallen short, impacting patients and communities. Undoubtedly, America’s healthcare sector, comprising seventeen percent of the nation’s GDP, stands as one of the most complex industries. Its sheer size and complexities, coupled with the gravity of life-and-death decisions, defy conventional business models fixated on profit maximization. Guided by dedicated and tirelessly committed highly skilled nurses, doctors, technicians, and aids, the system strives to deliver care within limited resources, safeguarding precious lives rather than adhering strictly to profit-oriented models. Yet the current state of America’s healthcare is marked by excessive costs, inefficiencies, and fragmentation, lacking coordination among providers and services. It is a system characterized by chaos, bloat, and poor management, exacerbated by evolving public health demands and reactive political policies. Despite substantial yearly expenditures, the system often overlooks and harms individuals, failing to contribute to the creation of a healthy society. Dr. Mike Katz is steadfast in his commitment to ensuring universal access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, regardless of zip code. His plan requires a paradigm shift in the focus of America’s health system – from treating illness to preventing it by advocating healthy behaviors and lifestyles, starting from the prenatal and early childhood years. Additionally, he emphasizes the critical integration of mental health into health and secondary education systems, recognizing its significance in promoting the well-being of both children and adults. Dr. Mike possesses the medical, business, and policy knowledge, experience, and upstream leadership skills necessary to guide the U.S. Senate and Congress in establishing a health system focused on coordinated population and community health. Such a system will provide high-quality, affordable healthcare for every citizen, integrating not-for-profit, academic, and for-profit systems to enhance consumer choice and operational efficiencies. An upstream-driven U.S. Health System that recognizes the interconnectedness of health, education, and economic success, promises consistent access to high-quality affordable healthcare. Dr. Mike Katz’s integrated approach leaves no community out-of-reach of living meaningful healthy lives, from America’s urban centers, to its remote farmlands. Veterans The dedicated service of America’s active military and veterans has left an indelible and multi-generational impact on our society, significantly shaping our nation’s development, values, overall well-being, and quality of life. Rooted in democratic principles, the military institutions stand as guardians of our nation, shielding its citizens from aggression, upholding the security and sovereignty of our land, and safeguarding the democratic values and freedoms we hold dear. Sustaining a robust military force and veterans’ community is essential for America’s continuous ability to preserve global peace, maintain international stability, foster economic prosperity, and protect human rights. Beyond their military service many veterans continue to serve our communities, seamlessly transitioning into roles as volunteers and leaders. Armed with strong work ethics, discipline, unique skills, and a profound sense of mission, they contribute significantly to the civilian workforce, often finding themselves at the forefront as first responders in law enforcement and public safety. Recognizing and honoring the service and sacrifices of our active military and veterans is not only a moral obligation but a national imperative. This entails an unwavering commitment to safeguarding their health, ensuring their safety, and promoting their overall well-being. Gratitude must be extended for the freedoms and safety they have selflessly secured for our nation. The challenges faced by veterans are numerous, spanning mental health issues, physical health concerns, post-service employment, continuing education, housing, and legal matters. Addressing these challenges is paramount in promoting their overall well-being and facilitating a successful transition to civilian life. The military community, encompassing both active service members and veterans, deserves profound recognition and gratitude for their unwavering dedication to protecting our cherished values and democracy. Effectively addressing the issues faced by the military and veterans necessitates a comprehensive and collaborative approach, involving coordinated problem-solving efforts between military, government agencies, and the private sector. VA Advanced Medical Facility in Southern Delaware: A Commitment to Our Veterans Veterans residing in Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware urgently need accessible, advanced medical care services tailored to their unique health challenges, including cancers, mental health issues, and service-related disabilities. Currently, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is falling short of its mission to provide these critical services to veterans in Southern Delaware. Current Challenges
Action Plan
Benefits to Veterans -Advanced Medical Services: Comprehensive care for veteran-specific conditions, including specialized treatment for cancers, mental health services, and management of service-related disabilities. - Improved Accessibility: Reducing travel times and providing local access to advanced medical care will significantly improve the health outcomes and quality of life for veterans in Southern Delaware. - Enhanced Community Support: A local facility will also serve as a hub for community support services, helping veterans integrate more seamlessly into civilian life. Conclusion First Responders Delaware’s first responders are the guardians of our communities – they are not just public servants but our neighbors, friends, and pillars of strength. Operating tirelessly around the clock, these dedicated individuals, comprising police, fire, and emergency medical staff, go above and beyond to ensure our collective health and safety. In their unwavering commitment to service, they often endure long, challenging shifts, putting themselves at personal risk to assist those in need. These true examples of servant leaders embody resilience in the face of understaffed, overworked, and underpaid conditions. Despite these challenges, they faithfully report for duty day and night, securing our communities and allowing us to rest peacefully. Their motivation isn’t grounded in the pursuit of recognition, but rather in the satisfaction of a job well done in the service of others. It’s time for our society to recognize the invaluable contributions of these first responders. Their indispensable role in maintaining the safety and well-being of our communities ensures the smooth functioning of our civil society. As a collective responsibility, we have an obligation to solve the problems faced by our first responders, including staffing and pay deficits, equipment and resource shortages, physical and mental health needs, workplace violence, and the obligation to demonstrate unwavering community support. These dedicated individuals consistently prioritize our safety and well-being, executing complex life-saving tasks that demand important skills and sacrifice. Yet, their efforts often go unnoticed. By making a comprehensive commitment to support the needs of our first responders, we demonstrate our recognition and gratitude for their service. It’s time to unite and reassure our first responders, those who selflessly serve us, that we steadfastly appreciate them, support them, and that we unequivocally “got their back”. Fixing Structural Issues in America's Government Like many Delawareans and Americans, I am deeply concerned about the divisiveness and dysfunction in Congress. The Democratic and Republican parties fuel this division to maintain their power, but it’s time for change. Our political system is broken, grounded in tribal politics and money, with career politicians focused on personal gain rather than serving the people. This campaign to elect Delaware’s next U.S. Senator is a job interview. I’m running as an Independent to combat corruption, introduce term limits, and bring fresh leadership to address major issues like the economy, healthcare, and education. I am the only candidate independent of party politics, special interests, and party money. I am solely committed to serving the best interests of all Delawareans without any allegiance to a political party. Together we can bring about the change that Delaware deserves. Education As a pediatric trained anesthesiologist and critical care physician, Dr. Mike Katz understands the critical role that early childhood and secondary education play in enabling children to discover and develop their interests and talents, and for preparing young minds for success in both academic and life pursuits. Dr. Mike believes that the United States education system has failed to ensure universal access to high-quality education for every child. This systemic shortcoming has hindered America from realizing its full potential in terms of overall well-being, prosperity, and the enduring sustainability of our society. Mike prioritizes his commitments to addressing and rectifying these educational disparities to foster a more prosperous future for every child, regardless of zip code. Early childhood education plays a critical role in shaping a person’s success throughout life. The experiences and learning opportunities provided during a child’s earliest years have a lasting impact on all aspects of their development. The early years of a child’s life are a period of rapid brain development. Quality early childhood education programs facilitate cognitive, emotional, and academic development by providing experiences that facilitate neural connections. This early foundation sets the stage for future learning that affects future social, emotional, language, cognitive and behavioral development. Children who receive a strong early childhood and secondary education are more likely to pursue higher education that directly impacts their health and economic success throughout life. And a healthy well-educated society makes for a strong competitive America. vote Delaware is positioned to lead a political revolution that prioritizes people over party. As a physician, you’ve trusted me to care for your families and kids, and now I’m asking for your trust to allow me to serve you in the United States Senate. I am the only candidate independent of party politics, special interests, and party money. I am solely committed to serving the best interests of all Delawareans without any allegiance to a political party. Together we can bring about the change that Delaware deserves. On November 5th, I ask for your vote to help make history and put citizens back in charge of our government. Together, we can elect Delaware’s first Independent Senator and bring about the change our state deserves. Homeownership The “American Dream” is based on the foundational principles of freedom and individual rights with the idea that every individual can pursue their own ambitions and goals. The Dream represents the belief that every American, regardless of their background, has the equal opportunity for prosperity and upward mobility through hard work. Dr. Mike Katz knows that, along with education and financial success, Homeownership is an integral part of the Dream, based on the idea that through hard work, Americans can achieve a higher standard of living and provide a better life for their families. Unfortunately, for many Americans. The dream of homeownership remains out of reach due to various factors, including high mortgage rates, a diminished supply of affordable housing, escalating housing prices, and inflation coupled with stagnant real wages. In Delaware, the median sales price for a home surged from $221,100 in 2018 to $339,400 in 2023, making a significant fifty-three percent increase (source). Reviving the dream of homeownership for working families, especially young first-time homebuyers, demands a comprehensive upstream federal and state policy approach. This includes implementing tax incentives and discounted interest rates for first-time homebuyers, augmenting the supply of affordable homes, and implementing zoning changes aimed at reducing the cost of housing construction while encouraging the commencement of affordable housing projects. Dr. Mike Katz is committed to introducing and championing policies, working with all members of Congress, to make homeownership once again attainable for working families. Environment and Energy Policy Dr. Mike Katz Delaware’s Independent U.S. Senate Nominee Dr. Mike Katz, Delaware’s 2024 Independent nominee for the U.S. Senate, brings a comprehensive and science-based health-focused approach to environmental and energy policies. Central to his vision is the integration of private sector knowledge, resources, and technology to effectively address contemporary environmental challenges. Demonstrating his long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, while serving in Delaware’s State Senate, Dr. Katz authored and successfully passed Delaware’s National Scenic Byway legislation in 2012, underscoring his dedication to preserving open spaces and natural landscapes for future generations.
A key component of Dr. Katz’s platform is his commitment to ensuring clean water and air. Recognizing the critical importance of these resources, he advocates for environmental protections and sustainable practices. His proactive approach to planning for and addressing the impacts of sea level rise and climate change showcases his foresight and dedication to mitigating adverse environmental effects. Dr. Katz envisions energy and environmental policies that not only safeguard natural resources, including Delaware’s beaches and open spaces, but also enhance America’s global competitiveness and create business opportunities.
Dr. Katz is an advocate for the benefits and safety of nuclear energy. He understands that nuclear power, as a reliable and low-carbon energy source, is essential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. He supports the Advanced Act that promotes efficient project permitting practices, and advanced nuclear technology development. He will build on the bill, sponsored by Senator Carper, and passed with overwhelming bi-partisan votes in the Senate and House, to ensure proper oversight and adequate funding to get the development job done in a timely manner. His support for nuclear energy is balanced with a commitment to the highest safety standards, ensuring the protection of both people and the environment.
Innovation and research are cornerstones of Dr. Katz’s environmental and energy policies. He supports initiatives that drive technological advancements and promote sustainable practices across all sectors. By fostering international cooperation, Dr. Katz aims to address global environmental challenges collectively, sharing knowledge and resources to build a more sustainable and prosperous future.
As a physician, Dr. Mike Katz’s professional, critical thinking, and forward-thinking approach to environmental and energy policies reflects his deep commitment to protecting natural resources, promoting sustainable development, and leveraging science and technology to create a healthy, resilient and competitive America.[5] |
” |
| —Michael Katz’s campaign website (2024)[6] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Katz and his wife, Trish, have three children.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate U.S. Senate Delaware |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Delaware Elections Division, "Candidate List," accessed July 13, 2012
- ↑ Delaware Department of Elections, "Official Primary Results," accessed March 20, 2014
- ↑ Delaware Elections Division, "Official 2008 Election results," accessed March 20, 2014
- ↑ Follow the Money, "2008 contributions," accessed December 15, 2014
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Michael Katz’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed September 26, 2024
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Delaware State Senate District 4 2009-2013 |
Succeeded by - |
