State Rep. Rich Collins and State Rep. Charles Postles have each announced they will not seek reelection, bringing an end to more than a decade of combined service from two Republican lawmakers who have been closely tied to their districts and their constituents.
Rich Collins, who has represented the 41st Representative District since 2014, confirmed his decision on November 24. Collins, 76, said he felt “some remorse” about stepping away, but ultimately concluded the move would give him the flexibility he needs at this stage in his life. He emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, noting that serving his district had been a point of pride.
“I want to thank all the people of the 41st District who, for more than a decade, have placed their faith in me to make their voices heard at Legislative Hall,” Collins said. He added that, despite leaving elected office, he plans to remain vocal on issues affecting the state and nation. “Even though I am leaving elected office, I will continue to share my views on state and federal policy, help educate the public about what is happening in D.C. and Dover, and work to protect our community from government excess.”
Throughout his legislative career, Collins was consistently rated among the most conservative members of the General Assembly. He was a frequent critic of government actions he believed intruded on individual freedoms, and he authored bills to reduce taxes, curb regulatory authority, and increase public transparency. Last year, he sponsored a law strengthening public-notice requirements for Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control hearings. Collins is an alumnus of Seaford High School and the University of Delaware, and his work history includes roles in insurance, farming, and education, along with service as executive director of the Positive Growth Alliance.
One day after Collins’s announcement, State Rep. Charles Postles confirmed that he, too, will step aside at the end of his current term. Postles, 76, said he reached the decision after recovering from a recent illness and determining that he needed more time to focus on personal family matters. He said the choice came only after months of consideration.
“I have been wrestling with this for the past several months,” Postles said. “After speaking with my family, a few colleagues, and praying for guidance, I concluded that this was the best course of action.” He added that serving the 33rd District had been a privilege. “I have been blessed to work for the people of the 33rd District. While I have often been disappointed by the laws that have emerged from Legislative Hall, I believe I did everything within my power to represent my constituents’ perspectives and resolve problems they had with the state bureaucracy.”
Postles, born and raised in Kent County, spent his early career in agricultural lending before becoming a longtime poultry farmer, a profession he continues today. He has been one of the few active farmers serving in the legislature and has consistently supported the state’s agricultural interests. His work also includes advocacy for public education and citizens’ rights, and he is a member of the Joint Finance Committee, which drafts the annual state operating budget. During the current session, he co-sponsored the bill creating the Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs and supported legislation addressing electricity affordability, Type II Diabetes prevention, and equipment repair access for farmers.
The 41st Representative District includes Millsboro, Dagsboro, Frankford, and Selbyville, as well as the unincorporated communities of Roxanna and Gumboro in south-central Sussex County.
The 33rd Representative District includes all or parts of Milford, Frederica, Bowers, Magnolia, and Houston in southeast Kent County.