The Independent Party of Delaware (IPoD) has selected former Democrat State Senator Michael S. Katz, MD, MBA as its candidate for the 2024 United States Senate race.
A few weeks ago U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D) announced that he will not seek another six-year term in the upcoming 2024 election cycle. At the time Lisa Blount Rochester (LBR) announced that she would run for Carper’s seat.
The Katz nomination took place at the IPoD’s 2023 nominating convention held in Dover on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Dr. Katz officially filed his candidacy with the Delaware Department of Elections on July 3.
Don Ayotte, the IPoD State Chairman, emphasized Dr. Katz’s status as a non-career politician who is committed to representing the interests of all Delawareans. Ayotte stated, “Mike is not a career politician. He has not pledged his allegiance to special interests, lobbyists, and political organizations. He is a true independent, a critical thinker, and problem solver who is committed to representing all Delawareans as a public servant and leader.”
Wolf von Baumgart, the IPoD Secretary-General, expressed satisfaction with Dr. Katz’s inclusion on the party’s ticket. Von Baumgart said, “We are very pleased to have Dr. Katz on our ticket, as he offers a clear and constructive alternative to Delaware’s two-party machine-controlled politics and government. Our common problems demand creative and cooperative solutions instead of finger-pointing.”
The Independent Party of Delaware follows a merit-based candidate selection process, aiming to identify and recruit individuals best qualified to serve the people of Delaware based on their skill sets, experiences, qualifications, and commitment to public service according to a statement released by the organization.
During his address at the Independent Party 2023 Convention, Dr. Katz highlighted the government’s dysfunction and divisiveness, which he attributed to the two major political parties’ focus on winning. As an independent candidate, he pledged his allegiance to the core values of the U.S. Constitution, including Liberty, Justice, and Equality.
Dr. Katz continued, “Business and politics as usual is no longer an option. I have pledged to abide by a Code of Conduct that recognizes our common humanity, to be respectful of all Americans, to work for and seek unity among all Americans, and to work together with all Americans to solve our problems and improve our society. These are the steadfast foundational principles on which we serve our communities and how we treat our fellow citizens.”
When he announced that he would not seek another term, Carper endorsed U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D).
Dr. Katz holds a B.S. from Bates College, an MBA from Georgetown University School of Business, and an M.D. from Georgetown University School of Medicine. His professional experience includes working as a physician and anesthesiologist.
Dr. Katz was first elected to the Delaware State Senate District 4 as a Democrat in 2008. He ran for re-election in the 2012 election for Delaware State Senate District 4, running unopposed in the Democratic primary on September 11, 2012. However, he was ultimately defeated by Gregory Lavelle in the general election on November 6, 2012.
With Dr. Michael S. Katz’s nomination as the Independent Party of Delaware’s candidate for the United States Senate seat, the upcoming 2024 election promises to be a competitive and closely watched race. As the IPoD’s chosen candidate, Dr. Katz may bring a fresh perspective to Delaware’s political landscape, free from party affiliations and focused on representing all Delawareans.