Who is Michael Katz and what is Katz running on in the 2026 Delaware Senate race?

Michael Katz is the Republican candidate for Delaware U.S. Senate. Pediatric anesthesiologist and commercial real-estate owner; Democratic Delaware state senator 2009-2013; 2024 Independent Party of Delaware Senate nominee; now the Republican nominee. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The race

• The seat: Incumbent Democrat Chris Coons seeking re-election (in office since 2010).
• Rating: Safe/Solid D (Cook, Decision Desk HQ, The Economist and others, per Wikipedia).

Why Katz is behind

• Delaware voted for Harris by ~15 points, and Republicans have not won a Delaware Senate seat since 1994.
• Money gap: Coons had $6.9M raised and $4.8M cash on hand vs Katz’s $159K.
• Katz is a former Democrat and 2024 Independent nominee who only recently became a Republican; he won the Sept 15 primary with 77%.

What Katz is running on

• Cost of living. Lowering costs for Delaware families is a top priority.
• Healthcare. Wants lower prescription drug prices, more transparency, and better access to doctors in Kent and Sussex counties.
• Fiscal. Wants a more fiscally responsible federal government.
• Immigration / border. Backs border security and finishing the southern border wall.
• Public safety. Runs on ‘back the blue’ support for law enforcement.
• Jobs / housing. Wants to bring manufacturing jobs back, protect the Delaware coast, and offer incentives for first-time homebuyers.

In Katz’s own words

“I will also fight to improve access to physicians, specialists, and advanced medical care in underserved areas of Delaware, particularly Kent and Sussex counties.”

The other candidates

• Chris Coons (D)

Every race

See every Senate and governor race on the ballot, with each candidate’s chance of winning: the 2026 midterms at a glance.