Dr. Mike Katz for U.S. Senate

ExxonMobil's board unanimously recommended redomiciling from New Jersey to Texas, with CEO Darren Woods citing Texas's pro-business environment and alignment with the company's operations. The $623 billion market-cap company could have chosen Delaware — the traditional incorporation haven for most Fortune 500 companies — but explicitly chose not to. This follows a pattern of growing corporate skepticism toward Delaware's Chancery Court and legal environment, with concerns about judicial overreach, political bias, and corporate reputation damage. Sen. Coons, Delaware's senior senator since 2010, has not publicly addressed the trend of major corporations reconsidering Delaware incorporation or proposed federal-level reforms to bolster Delaware's competitive position.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Drawing on Dr. Katz's Delaware Senate bill repealing the corporate income tax (Katz SB 100, 146th General Assembly) and his platform commitment to 'alleviate regulatory burdens on small businesses,' Katz should frame this as a direct indictment of Delaware's deteriorating business climate under career politicians like Coons. Katz can argue that while he fought for pro-growth tax reform in Dover, Coons has spent 16 years in Washington doing nothing to protect Delaware's most important economic asset — its corporate-friendly legal and business environment.

● TALKING POINTS

A $623 billion company looked at Delaware and said 'no thanks' — that's a five-alarm fire for our state's economy.
I introduced legislation to repeal Delaware's corporate income tax because I understand businesses need incentives to stay and grow here — Chris Coons has never fought to protect Delaware's competitive edge.
When Texas is actively recruiting the world's biggest companies away from states like ours, we need a senator who understands business, not a career politician who takes Delaware's corporate franchise for granted.
Delaware's Chancery Court reputation is our crown jewel — if we lose that, we lose billions in franchise tax revenue that funds our schools and roads.
Chris Coons has been in Washington for 16 years while Delaware's business brand erodes — he owns this problem.

Sources: ExxonMobil Corporate Announcement  ·  Leave Delaware (X/Twitter)↑ INDEX

DEFENSE & PENTAGON

Defense Appropriations

FY2027 Defense Appropriations Hearings — Weekend Recess; Critical Week Ahead for Coons

The Senate is in weekend recess, but the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee where Coons serves as Ranking Member has a packed schedule for the coming week with additional FY2027 budget hearings expected on force structure and modernization accounts. Coons has used recent hearings to highlight readiness shortfalls and question whether DOGE-driven civilian workforce cuts at the Pentagon are undermining military preparedness. Staff should monitor for any Coons statements or hearing announcements released Sunday evening ahead of Monday's session.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's veterans and defense platform emphasizing 'sustaining a robust military force' and support for Commander-in-Chief authority, Katz should acknowledge the importance of strong defense funding for Delaware (home to Dover AFB) while noting that Coons consistently tries to constrain the President's ability to deploy forces effectively. Katz supports military readiness through efficiency, not bureaucratic bloat.

● TALKING POINTS

Dover Air Force Base is Delaware's largest military installation — I will fight for every dollar it needs to maintain readiness.
Strong defense starts with supporting the Commander-in-Chief, not tying the President's hands like Coons tries to do.
We can have a lean, efficient Pentagon without gutting the force — as a physician, I know the difference between cutting waste and cutting muscle.
Coons talks about readiness shortfalls but voted for years of budgets that created them.

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee  ·  C-SPAN↑ INDEX

Defense / Government Reform

[STAFF VERIFY] Coons Response to Pentagon Civilian Workforce Reduction Announcements

Reports through last week indicated the Department of Defense is implementing additional civilian workforce reductions as part of DOGE-aligned efficiency initiatives. Coons, as Defense Appropriations Ranking Member, has been vocal in criticizing these cuts. Staff should verify whether Coons issued any new statements or letters over the weekend specifically addressing the Delaware impact of Pentagon civilian workforce reductions, particularly any affecting Dover AFB or related defense installations.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Drawing on Dr. Katz's state-level experience authoring legislation to establish an independent council to restructure and reorganize state government (a five-year plan for Delaware), Katz can credibly argue he supports smart government reform that protects essential functions. Coons reflexively opposes all efficiency efforts — Katz has actually done the hard work of restructuring government.

● TALKING POINTS

I wrote a bill in the Delaware Senate to create an independent council to restructure state government — I don't just talk about reform, I've done it.
Coons opposes every efficiency measure at the Pentagon — that's not leadership, that's protecting the status quo.
We can protect Delaware jobs at Dover AFB while still demanding the Pentagon spend taxpayer dollars wisely.
Government reform means making the same dollar work harder for our troops, not simply adding more bureaucracy.

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee↑ INDEX

RECENT LEGISLATION

Judiciary / Law Enforcement / Disability Rights

UPDATED

S. 4089 — Blue Envelope Act Gains Weekend Media Traction

Sen. Coons's Blue Envelope Act (S. 4089), introduced March 12, continued to generate media attention over the weekend. The bill authorizes DOJ grants to state and local governments to implement blue envelope programs that help individuals with autism and other disabilities communicate with law enforcement during traffic stops. The bill remains in the Senate Judiciary Committee. National disability advocacy groups have rallied behind the legislation, giving Coons a positive media cycle heading into the new week.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: This is a sympathetic bill that Katz should not directly oppose. Per Dr. Katz's platform emphasizing first responders ('we unequivocally got their back') and his medical background as a pediatric-trained physician, Katz can pivot by noting that as a doctor who cared for children with disabilities, he supports practical solutions for disability safety — but questions whether new federal grant programs are the right vehicle when existing state and local training programs could be expanded more efficiently.

● TALKING POINTS

As a pediatric anesthesiologist, I've cared for children with autism and developmental disabilities — their safety is deeply personal to me.
I support protecting vulnerable individuals during police encounters, but let's ask: do we need a new federal grant program, or can we empower the local first responders I've worked with to adopt these practices now?
Coons has a pattern of proposing new Washington spending programs when common-sense local solutions already exist.
Every dollar in federal grants comes with strings attached — let's trust our Delaware officers to do the right thing with the right training.

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4089  ·  Senate Judiciary Committee↑ INDEX

Environment / Foreign Aid

S. 4011 — Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization — No Movement

Coons's reauthorization of the 1998 Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act (S. 4011), introduced March 5, remains in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with no new cosponsors or committee action reported. The bill provides debt-for-nature swap authority, allowing developing countries to redirect debt payments toward conservation programs. The legislation represents Coons's focus on international environmental diplomacy but has no obvious Delaware-specific benefit.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's energy and environment platform emphasizing 'America's global competitiveness' and leveraging 'private sector knowledge, resources, and technology,' Katz should question why Coons is prioritizing debt relief for foreign countries when Delaware families are struggling with inflation and housing costs. Katz's platform calls for environmental policies that 'create business opportunities' — not foreign giveaways.

● TALKING POINTS

Chris Coons wants to forgive foreign debt so other countries can fund conservation — how about we invest in Delaware's own environment first?
I authored the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway legislation in Delaware — I protect our open spaces with real action, not foreign aid wish lists.
Delaware families can barely afford their mortgages — Coons is focused on coral reefs halfway around the world.
My environmental platform puts American competitiveness and Delaware jobs first, not international virtue signaling.

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4011  ·  Senate Foreign Relations Committee↑ INDEX

Immigration / Oversight

S. 3891 — ICE Accountability Act — No Movement

Coons's ICE Accountability Act (S. 3891), introduced February 12, remains stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee with no new cosponsors or committee action. The bill would impose additional reporting requirements and oversight mechanisms on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. The legislation has gained no bipartisan support and appears unlikely to advance in the Republican-controlled Senate.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's platform supporting secure borders and strong ICE enforcement, this is a direct contrast opportunity. Katz should hammer that while the border remains a crisis, Coons's priority is tying ICE agents' hands with bureaucratic reporting mandates. Katz supports the men and women of ICE — Coons wants to investigate them.

● TALKING POINTS

Chris Coons introduced a bill to handcuff ICE agents with more paperwork — I'll introduce legislation to give them the resources they need to secure our border.
Delaware is not immune from the border crisis — fentanyl doesn't check your zip code.
Coons's ICE bill has zero Republican support because it's not serious policy — it's political theater.
I back the men and women of ICE. Coons wants to investigate them. That tells you everything about the difference in this race.
Strong borders protect Delaware communities — Coons's bill would weaken enforcement when we need it most.

Sources: Congress.gov  ·  Senate Judiciary Committee↑ INDEX

APPROPRIATIONS & DELAWARE FUNDING

Military Construction / Delaware

Dover AFB FY2027 Military Construction Request — Tracking

The FY2027 budget request is expected to include military construction funding for Dover Air Force Base, home to the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings and Delaware's largest military installation. Coons, as Defense Appropriations Ranking Member, is well-positioned to influence MILCON priorities. No new information has emerged over the weekend, but Katz should monitor closely as specific line items become public in the coming weeks.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's veterans platform calling for robust military infrastructure and a proposed 'VA Advanced Medical Facility in Southern Delaware,' Katz should acknowledge Dover AFB funding as bipartisan common ground while pivoting to his unique credibility — as a physician, he understands both the military and healthcare infrastructure needs of Dover's service members and their families.

● TALKING POINTS

Dover Air Force Base is the backbone of Delaware's economy and national defense — I will fight for every construction dollar it needs.
As a physician, I understand that military construction isn't just about runways — it's about medical facilities, housing, and quality of life for our service members.
Coons and I may agree on Dover AFB funding, but I'll also push for the advanced VA medical facility that southern Delaware veterans desperately need.
Supporting our military installations means supporting the 11,000+ jobs Dover AFB brings to our state.

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee  ·  Dover Air Force Base (436th Airlift Wing)↑ INDEX

Federal Funding / Delaware

[STAFF VERIFY] FY2026 Continuing Resolution / Omnibus Status and Delaware Earmarks

Staff should confirm the current status of FY2026 federal funding — whether the government is operating under a continuing resolution or an enacted omnibus. If an omnibus was passed, verify which Coons-requested Delaware earmarks were included and their dollar amounts. Key areas to check: transportation infrastructure, water systems, community health centers, and education grants. This information is critical for Katz to evaluate where Coons is directing federal dollars and whether it aligns with Delaware's most pressing needs.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's fiscal responsibility platform and his state-level experience on the Delaware Senate Banking and Small Business Committees, Katz should frame any earmark discussion around fiscal discipline — asking whether Coons's earmarks reflect genuine Delaware priorities or political patronage. Katz's experience authoring the five-year government restructuring plan demonstrates he understands how to prioritize spending.

● TALKING POINTS

I'll bring the same fiscal discipline to Washington that I brought to the Delaware State Senate — every dollar must serve a purpose.
Earmarks aren't inherently bad, but they need transparency — I authored lobby reform and financial reporting legislation in Dover for exactly this reason.
Delawareans deserve to know exactly where their federal tax dollars are going and whether Coons's priorities match theirs.
Fiscal responsibility isn't just a slogan — it's the difference between building a stronger Delaware and building a bigger Washington.

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee  ·  Congress.gov↑ INDEX

DELAWARE

Business Climate / Economic Competitiveness

NEW

ExxonMobil's Texas Redomiciliation Spotlights Delaware Corporate Franchise Erosion — Coons Silent

ExxonMobil's board unanimously recommended moving the company's legal domicile from New Jersey to Texas — not Delaware — citing CEO Darren Woods's praise for Texas's pro-business environment. For decades, Delaware's Chancery Court and corporate-friendly legal framework have been the state's most valuable economic asset, generating over $2 billion annually in franchise fees. Growing concerns about judicial overreach, political bias in corporate governance rulings, and reputational damage threaten this revenue stream. Sen. Coons has not addressed this trend publicly, nor has he proposed federal or state-level initiatives to reinforce Delaware's competitive position as the nation's corporate home.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Drawing directly on Dr. Katz's Delaware Senate bill repealing the corporate income tax (Katz SB 100, 146th General Assembly) and his economy platform calling for 'reducing the corporate tax burden' and 'incentivizing business investment,' Katz should aggressively own this issue. Katz has a legislative record of fighting for Delaware's business competitiveness; Coons has none. This is a 'kitchen table' issue for Delaware because franchise fees fund state services.

● TALKING POINTS

When ExxonMobil — a $623 billion company — picks Texas over Delaware, that's not a warning sign. That's a crisis.
I introduced SB 100 to repeal Delaware's corporate income tax because I understand that businesses go where they're welcomed — Chris Coons has never lifted a finger to protect Delaware's corporate franchise.
Delaware's franchise tax revenue funds our schools, roads, and public safety — if we keep losing companies, every Delawarean pays the price.
CEO Darren Woods said Texas 'understands our business.' What does it say that he didn't say that about Delaware?
Sixteen years in the Senate and Chris Coons has no plan to protect the single biggest revenue driver for our state — that's the definition of taking Delaware for granted.

Sources: ExxonMobil Corporate Announcement  ·  Leave Delaware (X/Twitter)↑ INDEX

Veterans / Delaware

Coons Pushes for VA Medical Facility Expansion in Sussex County — Ongoing

Coons continues to advocate for expanded VA healthcare services in southern Delaware, including support for a new outpatient specialty care facility serving veterans in Kent and Sussex counties. His office has communicated with the VA about the proposal but no formal authorization or appropriation has been secured. No new developments reported over the weekend.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's veterans platform explicitly calling for a 'VA Advanced Medical Facility in Southern Delaware,' this is an area where Katz has a specific, published policy proposal. As a physician, Katz can speak with unique authority about the healthcare needs of veterans in Kent and Sussex counties. Katz should argue Coons has been talking about this for years with no results — Katz will bring a physician's urgency and a detailed plan.

● TALKING POINTS

I've published a detailed plan for a VA Advanced Medical Facility in southern Delaware — Chris Coons has been talking about it for years with nothing to show.
As a doctor who spent 20 years in operating rooms, I understand what a modern medical facility needs — Coons is a lawyer guessing at healthcare.
Veterans in Kent and Sussex counties shouldn't have to drive hours for specialty care — I'll make this facility a reality, not a press release.
My healthcare platform calls for bringing care closer to patients, regardless of zip code — that starts with our veterans.

Sources: Coons.senate.gov  ·  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs↑ INDEX

Government Reform / Delaware Jobs

[STAFF VERIFY] DOGE-Driven Federal Workforce Cuts — Delaware Impact Assessment

Coons has been leading Democratic opposition to DOGE-driven reductions-in-force across multiple federal agencies. Staff should verify whether any Delaware-specific federal workforce impact numbers have been released, including potential job losses at federal facilities in Wilmington, Dover, or New Castle County. Key agencies to check: IRS (Wilmington office), USDA (Delaware operations), VA (Wilmington VAMC), and defense-related civilian positions at Dover AFB.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's platform supporting fiscal responsibility and his state-level five-year government restructuring plan, Katz should frame DOGE cuts as necessary reform that must be done smartly — protecting essential services while eliminating waste. Katz can empathize with federal workers' anxiety (as a doctor, he understands job stress) while insisting that taxpayers deserve an efficient government.

● TALKING POINTS

I wrote a five-year plan to restructure Delaware state government — I know how to reform without recklessness.
Protecting federal jobs in Delaware is important, but so is respecting the taxpayers who fund them.
Coons's answer to every efficiency effort is 'no' — that's not leadership, it's obstruction.
Smart government reform means protecting teachers, veterans' nurses, and first responders — not protecting every bureaucratic position in Washington.

Sources: Coons.senate.gov↑ INDEX

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

War Powers / Iran

Iran War Powers Debate — Coons Continues Push to Constrain Military Action

Coons remains a vocal supporter of Sen. Tim Kaine's War Powers Resolution aimed at restraining the President's military posture toward Iran. No new floor vote has been scheduled, but Coons has continued to use media appearances and social media to argue that any military action against Iran requires explicit Congressional authorization. The resolution remains a point of contention between the White House and Senate Democrats.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's defense platform supporting strong Commander-in-Chief authority, Katz should argue that Coons's effort to constrain the President on Iran sends a signal of weakness to Tehran at the worst possible time. Katz supports Congressional oversight but believes tying the President's hands in a dynamic threat environment endangers American troops and allies.

● TALKING POINTS

Iran is closer to a nuclear weapon than ever — this is not the time to handcuff our Commander-in-Chief.
I support Congressional oversight of war powers, but Chris Coons's approach is about politics, not security.
Our adversaries watch Washington closely — when Coons publicly undermines presidential military authority, Tehran takes note.
Strength deters war. Weakness invites it. I'll stand with the President to keep America safe.
Dover Air Force Base personnel could be called upon in an Iran contingency — they deserve a senator who supports decisive leadership, not legislative handcuffs.

Sources: Senate Foreign Relations Committee  ·  C-SPAN↑ INDEX

Government Reform / Foreign Affairs

DOGE Cuts to State Department / USAID — Coons Opposition Continues

Coons delivered floor remarks earlier this week criticizing DOGE-driven workforce reduction plans targeting the State Department and USAID, calling the reductions 'reckless' and arguing they undermine U.S. diplomacy and development capacity. No new developments over the weekend, but Coons is expected to continue pressing this issue when the Senate reconvenes. Staff should monitor for any Dear Colleague letters or formal requests to the Secretary of State.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's economy platform emphasizing fiscal responsibility and his state-level record of authoring government restructuring legislation, Katz should argue that bloated foreign affairs bureaucracies need reform just like any other government agency. American taxpayers should not fund redundant USAID programs when we have infrastructure and healthcare needs at home — including the VA facility southern Delaware desperately needs.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons calls efficiency 'reckless' — I call it accountability to the taxpayer.
Every dollar we waste on USAID bureaucracy is a dollar that could fund the VA medical facility our Sussex County veterans need.
I restructured government in Dover — I'll bring that same discipline to Washington's bloated foreign affairs apparatus.
Diplomacy is essential, but so is a lean, effective State Department that respects the American taxpayer.

Sources: Coons.senate.gov  ·  Senate Foreign Relations Committee↑ INDEX

Ukraine / Foreign Aid

[STAFF VERIFY] Ukraine Supplemental Aid — Status Update

Coons has been one of the Senate's most vocal advocates for continued military and economic assistance to Ukraine. Staff should verify whether any new supplemental aid package language has been circulated this week, any updated cost estimates, and whether Coons has made specific statements regarding European burden-sharing. This is a key area where Coons's spending priorities can be contrasted with domestic needs.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's economy and fiscal responsibility platform, Katz can argue that while supporting Ukraine's sovereignty is important, the scale of open-ended funding commitments Coons champions must be balanced against domestic priorities — infrastructure, healthcare, border security. Katz can also draw on his energy platform to argue that American energy independence would do more to undercut Russia than any aid package.

● TALKING POINTS

I support Ukraine's fight for sovereignty, but Chris Coons writes blank checks with no accountability — that's not leadership.
American energy independence would cripple Russia's war economy faster than any aid package — my energy platform puts that front and center.
European allies need to shoulder more of the burden — Coons lets them off the hook while Delaware taxpayers pay.
Every dollar we send overseas is a dollar we're not investing in Dover AFB, Delaware roads, or our veterans.

Sources: Senate Foreign Relations Committee  ·  Coons.senate.gov↑ INDEX

2026 RACE CONTEXT

Campaign Intelligence

Race Snapshot: Coons vs. Katz (General: Nov. 3, 2026)

Sen. Coons (D) is running for a third full term. Republican primary: Dr. Mike Katz vs. John Shulli — primary set for September 15, 2026. Delaware is historically Solid Democratic. Coons has missed 3.0% of Senate roll call votes since 2010. His legislative profile focuses on International Affairs (27%), Commerce (21%), and Labor (10%). Committees: Appropriations (Defense Subcommittee Ranking Member), Foreign Relations, Judiciary. The ExxonMobil redomiciliation story offers a fresh, Delaware-specific economic attack line that could resonate across party lines — staff should test this message with focus groups and track whether other major corporations signal similar moves away from Delaware incorporation.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Strategic note for Katz: The ExxonMobil/Texas story is this week's highest-potential contrast opportunity. It ties directly to Katz's SB 100 (corporate tax repeal), his business background, and his economy platform — and it puts Coons on defense on a Delaware-specific issue that affects state revenue. Key vulnerabilities to continue pressing: Iran war posture, DOGE/government spending debate, ICE oversight bill, healthcare policy (Katz's home turf as a physician), and now Delaware's eroding corporate franchise. Katz should begin developing a 'Protect Delaware's Business Brand' policy paper.

● TALKING POINTS

Chris Coons has been in the Senate for 16 years — what has he done to protect Delaware's #1 economic asset, our corporate franchise?
I'm a physician, business owner, and former state senator who actually passed pro-business legislation — Coons is a career politician who takes Delaware for granted.
This race is about results vs. rhetoric — I have a track record of reform legislation, Coons has a track record of press releases.
Delaware deserves a senator who fights for Delaware, not one who spends all his time on foreign aid and Washington politics.

Sources: GovTrack — Sen. Coons Profile  ·  Dr. Mike Katz for Senate↑ INDEX

DR. MIKE KATZ FOR U.S. SENATE