Republican Eric Hansen in the Senate debate

Republican Eric Hansen laid out policies and initiatives in Mitchell Hall last Wednesday, October 16, that he plans to present to the public and implement if elected to the Senate.

The debate took place without the other two candidates on stage, with Mike Katz not meeting the debate criteria and Lisa Blunt Rochester declining to participate.

“Our campaign tried to make it work,” Blunt Rochester’s campaign said in a statement to The Review. “Right now, the congresswoman is focused on meeting voters where they are, and that’s exactly what she’s doing today.”

Hansen expressed his dissatisfaction with Blunt Rochester’s absence from the debate.

“I wish Lisa Blunt Rochester had been here because I think it’s really good for her constituents and for the electorate as a whole to hear more,” Hansen told the media after the debate. “I would ask her, ‘Please, Lisa, make yourself more known because people need to hear about you.’ People need to see you. I heard that all over the state.’”

Hansen, a newcomer to Delaware politics and a former Walmart executive for seven years, spoke about his unique position.

“The people who caused the problems are not the people who can solve the problems,” Hansen said. “I think fresh blood, fresh thinking and someone who isn’t a politician will be really helpful for Delaware. I am proud that I present myself as a proud non-politician, as a sensible Republican.”

Hansen first addressed the economy during the debate, emphasizing that for many Delaware families, the cost of basic necessities has become unaffordable due to inflation.

“We have a spending problem in the United States, Congress is spending like it’s not their money and they’re just trying to get re-elected, which is probably largely the case,” Hansen said. “As a country, we waste about $1 trillion a year. So imagine if we spent that $1 trillion on programs that didn’t waste the money.”

Hansen proposed a tax relief initiative for first-time home buyers and people earning less than $50,000 a year, and suggested a temporary tax break for that income bracket.

Hansen emphasized that his Hansen Spend and Tax Reduction Act would adjust government spending and implement a flat 2% reduction.

When asked whether these government spending cuts would include military and veterans benefits, Hansen reiterated the importance of the military during the debate.

“As far as the military goes, I think this is another conversation we need to have because a strong military is critical to the security of this country and, frankly, the world,” Hansen said.

Hansen also spoke about restoring trust in government and emphasized the need for term limits to restore public trust in elected officials, including the Supreme Court.

“To me, term limits are critical,” Hansen said. “It’s a way to bring fresh blood and new thinking into government.”

On the issue of abortion, Hansen made clear to all viewers and listeners during the debate his stance following the overturn of Roe v. Wade and the will of the people on the issue of abortion in Delaware are clear.

“Let me be clear: As a U.S. senator, I will not vote for a federal abortion ban, period,” Hansen said.

However, he said the issue of abortion should be left to the states and that more discussion is needed at the state level.

On immigration, Hansen said he would have voted for the bipartisan border reform bill that failed to pass in the Senate earlier this year due to opposition from former President Donald Trump.

Hansen added that the bill was a temporary solution and that stricter checks should be put in place to ensure only qualified and law-abiding people are admitted.

“What I think is really needed is more vetting to make sure we’re hiring the right people based on their skills,” Hansen said. “Make sure drug dealers, gang members and terrorists don’t get in.”

On the topic of gun violence, Hansen argued that the majority of the problem comes from violent criminals and that state law enforcement agencies may not have the resources to address the problem during the debate.

“The vast majority of violent crimes, including gun crimes, are committed by repeat violent offenders,” Hansen said. “If the state is not prosecuting violent criminals and keeping them off the streets, then I would establish a federal task force to prosecute these violent criminals.”

However, Hansen clarified that the federal working group he mentioned was specifically focused on violent crimes and not on issues such as voting rights or abortion.

In his closing statement, Hansen addressed the challenges facing Delaware and emphasized that his experience in the private sector would help alleviate the state’s economic woes, providing a contrast to his opponent.

Hansen faces Democrat Blunt Rochester and Independent Katz in the upcoming Nov. 5 general election.