Meet the Candidates: Shupe, Smith seek Republican nomination for Delaware House District 36

Bryan Shupe (pictured left) and Patrick Smith (pictured right) are running in the Republican primary election for Delaware House District 36 on Sept. 15, 2026. (Photos courtesy of Bryan Shupe campaign and Patrick Smith campaign.)

Voters in Delaware House District 36 will choose between Bryan Shupe and Patrick Smith in the Republican primary election on Sept. 15, 2026.

The winner will advance to the general election. The candidates shared information about their backgrounds, priorities, and reasons for seeking the seat.

Bryan Shupe

Shupe has served as the state representative for District 36 for the past seven years and previously served four years as mayor of Milford. He and his wife own and operate Fur Baby Pet Resort and previously operated The Farmacy Market.

Shupe pointed to his experience in both business and government as central to his campaign.

“I have spent my career serving our community in both the private and public sectors,” Shupe said. “My wife and I have owned and operated Fur Baby Pet Resort for more than 15 years, creating local jobs while serving thousands of families. We have also operated The Farmacy Market, a local grocery market for more than three years, partnering with area farmers to bring locally grown produce and livestock to Delaware families.”

He also highlighted his previous roles in local and state government.

“In public service, I served four years as Mayor of Milford and have represented the 36th District in the Delaware House of Representatives for the past seven years. Throughout that time, I have focused on fiscal responsibility, government transparency, public safety, educational excellence, and protecting individual freedoms.”

Shupe said his decision to run was driven by a desire to provide residents with a voice in government.

“I first ran for office because I believed our community deserved a representative who would listen, ask the difficult questions, and stand up for taxpayers. That commitment continues to guide every decision I make.”

Priorities

Shupe identified government spending, public safety, education and affordability as key issues he wants to address.

“My top priorities are restoring fiscal responsibility, protecting public safety, improving educational outcomes, preserving local decision-making, and making Delaware more affordable for working families and seniors.”

He said those goals include balancing state spending with continued support for public services and businesses, while addressing housing costs.

“When it comes to housing affordability, I support increasing opportunities for homeownership through partnerships with organizations that help families become financially prepared to purchase a home. Simply increasing housing density without addressing affordability, infrastructure, or local input does not solve the problem.”

Community growth and development

Shupe said future development should include input from local communities and account for infrastructure needs.

“Growth should be guided by local communities—not dictated by state government. We need thoughtful planning that ensures roads, schools, emergency services, and utilities keep pace with development before new projects move forward.”

He added that development decisions should protect the character of local communities while considering costs to taxpayers.

Why he is running

Shupe said his record in office has shaped his decision to seek another term.

“Voters deserve proven leadership and measurable results. Throughout my time in the General Assembly, I have consistently fought for transparency, fiscal responsibility, election integrity, stronger public safety, quality education, and protecting our constitutional freedoms.”

He said his approach to public service remains focused on helping residents.

“Public service is about people. My Christian faith has shaped my commitment to serving others with integrity, compassion, and humility. Whether meeting with constituents, helping solve problems in our communities, or serving in Legislative Hall, I strive to lead with honesty, respect, and a servant’s heart.”

Patrick Smith

Smith, 40, lives in Ellendale with his wife of nine years and their two Labrador retrievers. He holds a master’s degree in business management with a specialty in management information systems and works as an applications analyst in healthcare informatics.

Smith said his interest in public service began when he participated in Boys State as a student and later served as student body president at Caesar Rodney High School. He said those experiences gave him an early look at how government works.

“The Boys State program mirrors the structure and operation of Delaware’s state government,” said Smith. “It was a very realistic week in the shoes of lawmakers. Oddly, I probably sat in the same seat back when I was a teenager that I am vying for now.”

Smith said his involvement in politics grew after the 2016 election and later led him to run for office.

“I knew I had to get involved and make a difference. Then once COVID hit and I saw the injustices being brought down onto the citizens of Delaware, I knew I had to step up and do something more than be a volunteer somewhere. I wanted a platform I could use to help make change. So here I am.”

Priorities

Smith said affordability, emergency services and local concerns are among the issues he wants to focus on.

“Make living in Delaware affordable. We need to find ways to cut costs from energy to housing and taxation. This has just gotten worse over time — not better.”

He said he also wants to focus on responding to concerns raised directly by residents.

“Local constituency issues – as a new legislator, I feel this is the best way to find a connection with the local constituency. Is it a stop sign? Is it a road that needs to be fixed? Maybe a drainage problem causing flooding somewhere.”

Supporting first responders and addressing growth

Smith said supporting Delaware’s volunteer emergency services is one of his priorities.

“I really want to roll up my sleeves and get to work on how we can better serve our first responders in Delaware. We are a volunteer institution and as a member of this group, I am really committed to making a difference at legislative hall for them.”

He supports a fire tax on future development to help fund emergency services.

Smith also raised concerns about how population growth is affecting infrastructure and public services in District 36.

“We have developed at a break-neck pace here in District 36. This includes east of SR1 now with Red Cedar Farms going into production. Our schools and hospitals are maxed out.”

He said infrastructure planning must keep pace with development.

“Collectively, we can work with local leaders to ensure healthcare is permitted to grow and meet the population needs through legislation, or lack thereof.”

Agriculture and community concerns

Smith said agriculture is another area he wants to address, particularly issues affecting family farms.

“I would support eliminating the Transfer Tax on working farms being transferred to immediate family members. A farm family should not have to pay the government to continue their heritage especially in the case of a death.”

He also said he wants to revisit how the state handles poultry industry taxes.

“Coming from a family with a poultry farm in it, I know firsthand how hard this state is on the poultry industry. We need to ensure the poultry industry is here to stay in Delaware.”

Why he is running

Smith said his long-standing connection to the district influenced his decision to run.

“District 36 has been my adult home now for more than a decade. I was raised in Delaware for much of my life – residing in Milford, Dover, and now in Ellendale with my wife Shannon.”

He pointed to his volunteer and community involvement as part of his connection to the area.

“You will not find a person more connected to this community than me as a dedicated volunteer firefighter, Milford Rotarian, Moose Lodge member, and a passionate sportsman with heavy ties to Second Amendment advocacy.”

Smith said he believes residents want a change in representation.

“Rep. Bryan Shupe has served in office for 8 years now – that is 4 terms. The time has come, though, for a change.”

He added: “I want the job as District 36 Representative, but I do not need it. This is not for the money nor the office space I get. This is to represent The People.”

The Republican primary election for Delaware House District 36 will be held Sept. 15, 2026.