August 14, 2025
Washington, DC – Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) today released the following statement on the death of Michael N. Castle, Delaware’s lone and longest-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives, who served nine terms in Congress and was also Delaware’s governor, lieutenant governor, and a state legislator:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a true Delaware political giant, Mike Castle. Governor Castle was a fixture in Delaware politics for nearly half a century. As one of his hundreds of thousands of constituents, I always admired how gracefully he led. From his focus on educating our children and maintaining fiscal responsibility to his commitment to protecting our environment, his presence throughout our state will be missed.
“He served the First State selflessly, with a pragmatic approach and relentless optimism. One of my fondest memories of Mike was with my late dad, Ted Blunt. Not only did they share a love of public service, but they also shared a love of basketball. They joked about playing basketball on the same team and against each other on several occasions over the years. His steady hand and attunement to the needs of his constituents made him unique — a quality that will be missed in politically challenging times such as these. His legacy will surely live on. I send my deepest condolences to his wife, Jane, his family and loved ones, and all who crossed his path. May he rest in eternal peace.”
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Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester represents Delaware in the United States Senate where she serves on the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.