Tom Carper’s tenure in the U.S. Senate will end on Jan. 3, 2025.
Although a lifelong Democrat, longtime United States Senator and Delaware politician Tom Carper garnered praise from the opposition following his farewell address on the U.S. Senate Floor this week.
“Tom Carper’s extraordinary legacy of public service to both our state and nation is undeniable,” said House Minority Leader Tim Dukes, R-Laurel. “With a career spanning more than five decades, his accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable—ranging from his service as a U.S. Navy flight officer to his time as state treasurer, governor, and a distinguished member of our Congressional delegation for 34 years.”
Carper’s enduring contributions, Dukes said, have made an indelible mark on Delaware, one that will be remembered for many years to come.
After serving as a senator for the First State for 23 years, his term will end on Jan. 3, 2025.
He was also notably a United States Representative from 1983 to 1993 and was the 71st governor of Delaware from 1993 to 2001. He also was state treasurer from 1977 to 1983.
“In just a few weeks, I will step down as one of Delaware’s two United States Senators, ending my half-century of service in the U.S. Navy and in elective office,” Carper said in his goodbye speech. “God willing, in the weeks that follow, Martha – my bride of 38 years – and I will turn the page and hit the road together, visiting family members near and far and exploring parts of America that we’ve yet to see before beginning to look for new ways to serve the people of Delaware and our country.”
His military background includes a stint as a naval flight officer in the Navy from 1968 to 1973, where he flew the P-3 Orion as a tactical coordinator and mission commander.
He saw active duty in the Vietnam War, and after leaving the Navy, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve for 18 years and retired with the rank of Captain.
Carper acknowledged he didn’t have much growing up but thanked his parents for instilling a strong work ethic, faith, and empathy in him and his sister Sheila.
“Senator Carper has been a strong advocate for our coastal communities and Delaware for many years,” said Senate Minority Leader Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View. “While I don’t always agree with his policy positions, I certainly appreciate all that he has done for the residents of our state. I wish him nothing but the best in retirement.”
Carper said one of his favorite moments as a U.S. Senator is building a trusting partnership on the Environment & Public Works Committee with Ranking Member Shelley Capito, a Republican, and also a native of West Virginia like Carper.
“Our committee enjoys our well-deserved reputation as a workhorse committee and one whose members consistently work across the aisle,” he said. “My relationship with Shelley has enabled us – among other things – to craft a comprehensive two-year Water Resources Development bill this year, which includes the first reauthorization of the Economic Development Administration in 20 years.”
The two played a part in advancing a package of critical recycling bills, confirming important nominations, and enacting transformational legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, significant nuclear legislation like the ADVANCE Act, and major legislation to reduce powerful greenhouse gas emissions known as HFCs.
“While there were many things that our Founding Fathers’ disagreed on, the one thing they all agreed on is that they wanted to ensure that America would never be ruled by a king,” Carper said.
He said he believes that’s still true today.
“When we pledge allegiance to the flag or take an oath to defend the Constitution against enemies – foreign and domestic – we don’t pledge to a person or to a party,” Carper said. “We pledge our allegiance to our country and our constitution.”
YMCA Lifetime Achievement Award
Carper had quite an eventful past week, as he was also honored by YMCA of Delaware recently for his contributions to the organization.
He’s been a member of the state’s YMCA for more than 50 years, often starting his mornings there with a workout before heading to Washington, D.C., for the day.
Tom Carper accepting his award trophy.
His consistent support for the organization has helped expand access to critical programs, including partnering with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to enhance the YMCA’s Residence Program.
That program provides housing to men 18 years and older, who are then provided with a dorm-style room, discounted rates to use the fitness center, and access to various health and human service providers who partner with the YMCA.
Each year, this initiative provides transitional housing to nearly 180 men.
Carper’s participation earned him the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I love the Y,” Carper said while accepting the award. “Not only do you make Delaware and Wilmington a better place for a bunch of us to live, you make it a healthier place for a lot of people to live.”
He also helped launch the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program at the Central YMCA in 2013, a milestone that solidified the Y’s role as a leading partner in the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP).
NDPP has impacted 790,000 individuals nationwide, helping to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes through education, lifestyle changes, and support.
In Delaware, nearly 5,000 individuals have benefited from the program, gaining tools to lead healthier lives, and the program’s success is reflected in its inclusion as a reimbursable service through health insurance providers and Medicaid.
Many employers, including the city of Wilmington, offer it as part of their employee wellness packages.
“With the Y’s mission to nurture a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, partnering with the CDC was a natural step toward building stronger, healthier communities,” said Jarrett Royster, CEO of the YMCA of Delaware. “Senator Carper’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment were instrumental in turning this vision into reality.”
During the event, Royster led a panel discussion with local leaders on innovative strategies to improve health outcomes across the First State.
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