Senator Dave G. Lawson is a Republican representing Delaware's 15th Senate District in Kent County since 2010. Born on October 29, 1946, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, as the tenth of eleven children raised on a family farm in the Allegheny Mountains, he served a combat tour in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam, honorably discharged in 1969, and settled in Harrington, Delaware. He worked as a Milford policeman, Delaware State Police officer, volunteer fireman for nearly 30 years with the Harrington Fire Company, and later founded Shooter’s Choice, an indoor shooting range and retail store in Cheswold . Married to Donna Juhrden Lawson with three children and three grandchildren, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and farm work. Notable achievements include the 2013 Kent County Elected Official of the Year Award, 2015 Delaware Veterans’ Stand Down Award, Division for the Visually Impaired 2015 Legislative Leadership Partner of the Year Award, Quality Deer Management Director’s Legislator Award, and Delaware Association of Conservation Districts 2016 Legislative Award. He has served on committees including Corrections & Public Safety, Education, Finance, Joint Finance, Labor, and Veterans Affairs, and is recognized for advocacy on veterans and law enforcement issues. In January 2026, he announced he will not seek reelection.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Delaware Technical Community College, Glendale Community College , and Delaware State Police Academy.
• Political Experience: Elected to the Delaware Senate in 2010, defeating incumbent Nancy W. Cook; reelected in 2012 , and serving fourth term through 2026; current Senate Minority Whip colleague highlights his long service as one of six GOP senators.