Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, a Wilmington native and career prosecutor, defended her record Wednesday as she seeks a third term, highlighting what she described as historic declines in violent crime across the state and in Wilmington.
Local roots, law enforcement background
Jennings recounted her long career in criminal prosecution, including work as a state prosecutor and as Delaware state prosecutor, and cited high-profile cases that shaped her early work in New Castle County. In the interview she emphasized experience and continuity as central qualifications for the office she has held since 2019.
Crime data Jennings cites
Jennings pointed to figures from the Criminal Justice Council to support her claim that violent crime has fallen under her leadership. She said that in 2024 Delaware recorded its lowest violent crime rate on record and that the city of Wilmington has been a major contributor to the overall trend.
- Homicides in Wilmington: At the end of 2023, Jennings said homicides had declined by more than 50%.
- Shootings in Dover: Reported to have declined by 23%.
- Prison population: Fell nearly 25% since 2019.
- Recidivism rates: Declined by 60%, according to the data Jennings cited.
The attorney general framed those figures as evidence that aggressive prosecution combined with policy reforms can reduce violent crime while also shrinking the state’s incarcerated population.
“My focus for years has been reducing violent crime in our state, in particular gun violence,”
She emphasized gun violence as a priority area, saying her administration has prioritized stronger gun safety laws to curb violent crime and protect children. Jennings also said her office has targeted lobbying efforts that she described as supporting lax gun policies.
Implications for Wilmington
For Wilmington residents, Jennings’ account centers two intertwined themes: public safety gains and continuing efforts to refine the criminal justice system. The reported decreases in homicides and overall violent crime in the state’s largest city are likely to be a focal point in the attorney general’s campaign messaging, especially as voters weigh law enforcement outcomes and reform commitments.
At the same time, details Jennings cited — including a near 25% drop in the prison population since 2019 and a 60% decline in recidivism rates — reflect a broader shift in the department’s approach to prosecution, sentencing and reentry. How those shifts affect neighborhoods in Wilmington, resource allocation for law enforcement and community-based prevention programs will be topics for public debate as the campaign continues.
| Measure | Change Cited |
|---|---|
| Homicides in Wilmington (end of 2023) | More than 50% decrease |
| Shootings in Dover | 23% decrease |
| Prison population since 2019 | Nearly 25% decrease |
| Recidivism rates | 60% decline |
Jennings’ comments come amid a campaign in which public safety, criminal justice reform and gun policy are expected to be central issues. The attorney general’s contention that violent crime has fallen to historic lows in Delaware and specifically in Wilmington will likely be weighed against community concerns about neighborhood safety, law enforcement strategies and resources for prevention.
As the race unfolds, Wilmington voters will be monitoring how competing candidates interpret these figures, whether independent analyses corroborate the trends cited, and what specific policy proposals each contender offers to sustain reductions in violent crime while ensuring fairness in the justice system.
The attorney general’s background in prosecution and the high-profile cases she referenced underscore the professional experience she says is necessary to lead the state Department of Justice and to continue policy efforts aimed at reducing gun violence and improving outcomes for victims and communities.
