Senator Stephanie Hansen

Stephanie L. Hansen is a Democratic state senator representing the 10th Senate District in Delaware, which includes portions of Glasgow, Middletown, Odessa, Bear, and Newark along the western side of Southern New Castle County. She has been serving in the Delaware State Senate since 2017, when she won a special election to succeed Bethany Hall-Long, who became lieutenant governor. Hansen was re-elected in November 2024.

Hansen has distinguished herself as a prolific legislator and leading voice on energy policy and environmental issues. She is particularly known for her work on Delaware's renewable energy policy, the opioid epidemic, conservation efforts, and native species protection. She founded the Energy Stakeholders Group to guide Delaware's energy policy development and established the HOA Leaders Forum for homeowner associations and the 10th Senate District Multicultural Committee to foster understanding among different cultural communities.

Currently, Hansen serves as Chair of the Senate Environment & Energy Committee and Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee. She also holds membership on the Health & Social Services, Elections & Government Affairs, Rules & Ethics, Executive, and Sunset committees.

Education

Hansen graduated from Seaford Senior High School in 1979. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Geology from the University of Delaware in 1983 and a Master's degree in Earth Science from the University of New Orleans in 1986. She later attended Widener University School of Law, graduating cum laude in 2000 with her Juris Doctorate.

Political Experience

Before her election to the state senate, Hansen served as President of New Castle County Council from 1997 to 2001 . During her tenure on County Council, she participated in rewriting the county's land use code and contributed to its environmental provisions.

Hansen began her professional career as an environmental scientist and hydrologist at the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control . She later transitioned to law, practicing environmental and administrative law in Delaware from 2001 to 2020, including work as an attorney at Richards, Layton & Finger and Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP. She served as chair and vice-chair of the Environmental Section of the Delaware Bar at various points during her legal career. She retired from her law practice in 2020 to focus full-time on her legislative duties.

Hansen resides in Middletown with her husband David and has five children and stepchildren and seven grandchildren.