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Brenda Mennella
Brenda Mennella (Republican Party) ran for election to the Delaware House of Representatives to represent District 21. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Mennella completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2024
See also: Delaware House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Delaware House of Representatives District 21
Frank Burns defeated Brenda Mennella in the general election for Delaware House of Representatives District 21 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Frank Burns (D)  | 57.9 | 7,415 |
 | Brenda Mennella (R) | 42.1 | 5,397 | |
| Total votes: 12,812 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Delaware House of Representatives District 21
Frank Burns defeated Michael A. Smith in the Democratic primary for Delaware House of Representatives District 21 on September 10, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Frank Burns | 50.7 | 1,142 |
 | Michael A. Smith | 49.3 | 1,112 | |
| Total votes: 2,254 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Brenda Mennella advanced from the Republican primary for Delaware House of Representatives District 21.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Mennella in this election.
Pledges
Mennella signed the following pledges.
2022
See also: Delaware State Senate elections, 2022
General election
General election for Delaware State Senate District 9
Incumbent Jack Walsh defeated Brenda Mennella in the general election for Delaware State Senate District 9 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Jack Walsh (D) | 61.5 | 7,172 |
| Brenda Mennella (R) | 38.5 | 4,490 | |
| Total votes: 11,662 | |||
| = 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. Incumbent Jack Walsh advanced from the Democratic primary for Delaware State Senate District 9.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Brenda Mennella advanced from the Republican primary for Delaware State Senate District 9.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Brenda Mennella completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Mennella's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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With a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and a Master’s in Education from Wilmington University, I have spent over 20 years teaching the next generation. Currently, I am a third-grade and Special Education teacher at West Park Elementary, where I strive to create an inclusive and nurturing environment for all my students. My passion for education goes beyond the classroom, where I continuously advocate for resources and support that empower our children to succeed.
In my spare time, I am dedicated to my nonprofit, Hygiene for Homeless, which provides essential hygiene kits to homeless individuals, including many veterans. This initiative reflects my deep commitment to serving those who have served us and those who need a helping hand.
I am driven by the desire to improve our community and ensure a brighter future for all. Whether it's supporting families, advocating for better education, or providing essential services to the homeless, I am dedicated to making a positive impact every day. My journey, my family, and my community are at the heart of everything I do.- A Champion for Education and Community: With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, I know firsthand the challenges our children, educators, and families face. I am committed to advocating for better resources, safer schools, and more opportunities for our students. My work in education and my hands-on approach to solving community issues demonstrate my dedication to making our district a better place for everyone.
- Practical Solutions for Safer, Stronger Communities: I have been actively involved in our local civic associations, working with community leaders, police, and residents to address critical issues like public safety, road repairs, and essential services. I believe in listening to and working alongside the people of our district to find practical solutions that improve our quality of life.
- Service-Driven Leadership: As a veteran and founder of the Hygiene for Homeless Foundation, I have dedicated my life to serving others. My nonprofit provides essential hygiene kits to homeless individuals, including veterans, reflecting my commitment to helping those most in need. I bring this same spirit of service to my campaign, prioritizing the needs of our community above all else.
Additionally, the film “Won’t Back Down” deeply reflects my passion for education and the power of standing up for what’s right, especially when it comes to our children. It tells the story of parents and teachers fighting to improve their school system, a cause that resonates with my commitment to education reform and advocacy. This film embodies the spirit of never giving up, even when facing difficult challenges, which is a core tenet of my approach to public service.
Integrity and Transparency: Elected officials must act with honesty and be transparent in their actions and decision-making. Trustworthiness is crucial for maintaining public confidence and ensuring accountability to the community.
Commitment to Community: A strong connection to the community and a genuine commitment to its well-being are essential. Officials should be active, engaged, and responsive to the needs of their constituents, demonstrating a deep understanding of local issues.
Problem-Solving and Collaboration: Effective leadership requires the ability to solve problems and work collaboratively across party lines. Officials should be open-minded, willing to listen, and ready to find practical solutions that benefit all Delawareans.
Advocacy for Education and Public Services: Given Delaware’s focus on improving education and public services, elected officials should prioritize policies that enhance these areas, supporting families, educators, and public safety initiatives.
Responsiveness and Accessibility: Being accessible and responsive to constituents is key. Officials should be approachable, willing to engage with the public, and quick to address concerns or questions from the community.
Strong Community Connections: I am deeply rooted in her community, actively engaging with residents, listening to their concerns, and working tirelessly to address local issues. My close ties and hands-on involvement make her highly responsive and in tune with the needs of her district.
Proven Leadership: As a veteran, teacher, and founder of the Hygiene for Homeless Foundation, I have consistently shown leadership in various roles. She is skilled at organizing efforts, building coalitions, and leading initiatives that make a tangible impact.
Integrity and Accountability: I am known for my honesty, transparency, and unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. I hold myself to high ethical standards and believe in being accountable to the people she serves.
Problem-Solving Skills: My practical, solutions-oriented approach helps me tackle challenges effectively. I listen, analyze, and work collaboratively to find actionable solutions, whether it’s in the classroom, within her nonprofit, or addressing community concerns.
Bipartisan Approach: I value working across party lines to achieve common goals. My focus is on results rather than politics, and I am willing to collaborate with anyone who shares my commitment to bettering the community.
2. Crafting and Supporting Legislation: A key responsibility of a state representative is to propose, debate, and support legislation that positively impacts the lives of Delawareans. This involves addressing critical issues like education reform, healthcare access, economic growth, and public safety. For me, it means championing bills that ensure better funding for schools, advocate for veterans’ services, and provide resources for those facing homelessness.
3. Accountability and Transparency in Government: Maintaining the trust of the community is essential. Elected officials must ensure that government actions are transparent, accountable, and in the best interest of the public. This includes overseeing budgets, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly, and holding state agencies to high standards. It’s about being honest with constituents, providing clear communication about legislative actions, and making decisions based on ethical principles.
4. Collaboration and Partnership Building: Addressing the complex challenges facing our communities requires collaboration across all levels of government. Building strong partnerships with local officials, community leaders, and other state legislators.
I value a balanced approach where the checks and balances between the executive and legislative branches are respected. I believe the legislature should hold the governor accountable, while the governor should respect the legislative process and decisions.
I advocate for bipartisan collaboration, rising above party lines to work on critical issues such as education, public safety, and infrastructure. I see a cooperative relationship as essential for effective governance, where both branches work towards common goals that reflect the needs of Delaware’s residents.
Education and Workforce Development: I believe that improving education is critical. Addressing funding disparities, enhancing vocational training, and ensuring students are prepared for future job markets are top priorities to build a skilled workforce.
Public Safety and Opioid Crisis: I am concerned about rising crime rates and the impact of the opioid crisis on communities. I advocate for stronger community policing, enhanced mental health services, and expanded addiction treatment programs.
Economic Growth and Diversification: I see the need to diversify Delaware’s economy beyond traditional sectors. Promoting small businesses, fostering innovation, and attracting new industries will be key to creating sustainable job opportunities.
Environmental Challenges and Climate Resilience: With Delaware’s vulnerability to sea-level rise and extreme weather, I emphasize the need for investments in infrastructure to protect communities and promote sustainable practices, including clean energy initiatives.
Healthcare Access and Affordability: I identify healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved areas, as a significant challenge. I support expanding telehealth, improving mental health care, and addressing healthcare inequities to ensure all residents receive the care they need.
Infrastructure Modernization: I stress the importance of updating Delaware’s aging infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transit, to support economic growth and improve residents’ quality of life.
I recognize that experience in government can provide valuable insights into the legislative process, policy-making, and navigating complex political landscapes. It can help legislators understand the nuances of governance, build relationships, and advocate effectively for their constituents.
However, I also strongly believe that fresh perspectives from educators, business owners, healthcare professionals, veterans, and community leaders bring valuable skills and new ideas to the table. I see these diverse experiences as crucial for understanding the everyday challenges that residents face and crafting policies that reflect real-world needs.
I value open communication, mutual respect, and bipartisan cooperation. I believe that by working closely with fellow legislators, even those with differing viewpoints, it’s possible to find common ground and develop well-rounded, effective solutions to the challenges facing Delaware.
I aim to model myself after leaders who prioritize integrity, accountability, and service above all else. I seek to embody their commitment to respectful dialogue, principled decision-making, and unwavering dedication to the people they serve, reflecting my own approach to leadership in the state legislature.
This story struck a chord with me, because it highlighted the broader challenges faced by many who have served. It reinforced her commitment to supporting homeless veterans through my nonprofit, Hygiene for Homeless, and advocating for better mental health resources and support systems for those in need.
This veteran’s courage in sharing his struggles reminded me of the importance of ensuring that no one, especially those who have sacrificed for their country, is left behind. It inspired me to continue pushing for policies that address homelessness, improve access to mental health care, and provide stronger support for veterans.
I support a system where the legislature grants emergency powers with clear limitations on scope and duration, ensuring that executive actions remain within legal and ethical bounds. I believe that the legislature should have the authority to review, modify, or revoke these powers if they are being misused or if the emergency no longer justifies their continuation.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs would be responsible for overseeing all state programs related to veterans, including healthcare access, mental health services, employment support, and homelessness prevention. By having a veteran at the helm, I believe the office would be more effective in advocating for veterans’ needs, implementing tailored programs, and ensuring that state resources are used efficiently to support those who have served.
My bill also aims to strengthen the connection between the state government and the veteran community, creating a direct line of communication to better understand and address the issues veterans face in Delaware. This initiative reflects my deep commitment to honoring the service of veterans and ensuring they receive the care, support, and recognition they deserve.
Veterans Affairs Committee: I am deeply committed to supporting veterans, particularly in addressing issues like homelessness, mental health, and access to benefits. I aim to improve the services and support available to those who have served the country.
Public Safety Committee: I am going work with local police and her advocacy for public safety initiatives make her a strong proponent of policies that enhance community safety. I am interested in working on measures that support law enforcement, emergency services, and community policing efforts.
Health and Human Services Committee: Given my involvement with my nonprofit, Hygiene for Homeless, and her commitment to helping vulnerable populations, I am focused on public health, social services, and support for underserved communities.
I also emphasize the importance of accountability, holding elected officials and government agencies to high standards of conduct. I believe in establishing strong oversight mechanisms, independent reviews, and accountability measures to prevent misuse of funds, corruption, and unethical behavior. My approach is rooted in the belief that transparency and accountability lead to better governance, more responsible decision-making, and greater public confidence in government institutions.
Potential Benefits: I see the ballot initiative process as a way to empower citizens by giving them a direct voice in the legislative process. It allows voters to propose new laws or changes to existing ones, bypassing the legislature when necessary. This can be particularly beneficial in addressing issues that may be overlooked or stalled by partisan gridlock. It encourages civic engagement, increases public participation in governance, and can be a powerful tool for enacting popular reforms.
Potential Drawbacks: However, I am also aware of the potential downsides. Ballot initiatives can sometimes be influenced by well-funded special interest groups, leading to laws that may not fully reflect the will or best interests of the broader public. Complex issues can be reduced to simple yes-or-no votes, without the nuanced debate and scrutiny that typically occur in the legislative process. There is also the risk of passing laws that could have unintended consequences due to a lack of expert input and thorough examination.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2022
Brenda Mennella did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
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.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
