WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement on the passing of former Congressman and Governor Mike Castle:
“When I was a student in high school, a teacher once asked me if I had any interest in politics. She introduced me to the man whose election campaign would be the first for which I would ever volunteer. That man was Mike Castle. Getting to know Mike then, he was kind, genuine, civically minded, responsible – an old-fashioned Republican.
“Over the arc of the more than 40 years that I knew him – I met him when I was 16 – he repeatedly provided his knowledge and expertise to help me along my own way. When he was a congressman and I was county executive, we worked together often, including some important investments into the C&D Canal greenway. When we eventually ran against each other, I did my absolute best to run a respectful, positive, policy-based campaign. As we campaigned against each other, I only liked him more. There was an editorial written about how civilized we were. I am prouder of that column than almost anything.
“I was able to enjoy visiting with him and getting advice from him several times in my first few years in the Senate. Actually continuing the work he’d started on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis – a disease that claimed the lives of Mike’s brother and sister – was another goal I’ll cherish from my time in public office. He was an incredible man, and Annie and I are praying for Jane and for the many Delawareans touched by his life and friendship.”
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.”
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.
WILMINGTON, Del. – Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-DE) issued the following statement on the passing of former Delaware Congressman and Governor Mike Castle:
“Mike Castle was a giant in Delaware politics—having served in the state House and Senate, as Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and in the very seat I now hold in the U.S. House.
“He was a man of decency who understood the importance of respect and collaboration in public service, always working for the common good of our state of neighbors. Mike helped build the Delaware of today and, in Congress, expanded investment in research, the arts, and small businesses. He worked across the aisle often and courageously.
“My deepest sympathies are with Jane and all his loved ones as they grieve this great loss. Delawareans are indebted to his family for his lifetime of service to our state.”
Governor Matt Meyer issued the following statement regarding the passing of former governor and U.S. representative for Delaware, Michael Castle:
“Today, Delaware mourns the passing of a remarkable public servant, Mike Castle. As governor and our state’s longest-serving U.S. representative, he embodied what it means to lead with principle, decency, and dedication.
“During his time as governor, Mike Castle visited every single school in our state, including mine, where he spoke to my high school class with the same warmth, humility, and commitment to public service that defined his career. That moment, among others, demonstrated what a good man he was and how deeply he cared about Delaware’s future.
“He expanded access to cancer and diabetes screenings, brought health care directly to our schools, and developed community health-care centers that continue to serve Delawareans today. He strengthened our public schools and led with fiscal discipline, keeping Delaware on a sound financial foundation for years to come.
“With humor and grit, his work kept Delawareans’ interests at heart and earned him widespread respect lasting far beyond partisan lines.
“Governor Castle was a leader in a generation of Delawareans who put people before politics—whose bipartisan spirit and dedication to service set a standard to which we all aspire.
“Lauren and I extend our deepest condolences to Jane and the whole family and all who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.”
DOVER – The Delaware State Senate Republican Caucus issued the below statement following the passing of former Governor and U.S. Representative Mike Castle.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Governor and U.S. Representative Mike Castle.
“Congressman Castle’s decades of dedicated public service left an enduring mark on our state. From his time in the Delaware General Assembly to serving as Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and Delaware’s lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives, he was a tireless advocate for the people he represented.
“His leadership, civility, and commitment to Delaware will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know him.”
DOVER — On Thursday afternoon, Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola and Senate Minority Leader Gerald Hocker have issued the following joint statement:
“In a time when our state and our nation feel so deeply divided, we come together to honor the memory of Mike Castle.
Former Governor and Congressman Castle was not just a leader in the Delaware Republican Party, but has long been revered as a distinguished statesman by those across the political spectrum.
His legacy of public service embodies the best of what “the Delaware Way” has had to offer our state over the years: responsive leadership, mutual respect, and a willingness to collaborate with anyone on behalf of the people of Delaware.
He will be sorely missed by many, but his legacy will live on.”
Sen. Sokola served in the General Assembly under Governor Castle from November 1990 – January 1993.
From Gene Truono, Chairman Delaware Republican Party:
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news that The Honorable Michael Newbold Castle passed away on August 14, 2025, in Greenville, Delaware, at the age of 86. Delaware has lost a great Republican, a great Delawarean, and a great American.
Michael Castle devoted his life to public service, serving our state and country with integrity, moderation, and an unwavering commitment to the people he represented. Over the course of his remarkable career, he held the following elected offices:
- Delaware State Representative, 1966–1970
- Delaware State Senator, 1970–1976
- Lieutenant Governor of Delaware, 1981–1985
- Governor of Delaware, 1985–1992
- U.S. Representative for Delaware’s At-Large Congressional District, 1993–2011
From the State House in Dover to the halls of Congress, Mike Castle was known for his thoughtful leadership, bipartisan spirit, and dedication to improving education, strengthening the economy, and protecting the values that make Delaware strong.
His legacy as a great Republican leader is a proud part of our state’s history, and his example will continue to inspire us for years to come.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched”.
DOVER, Del. – On the occasion of the passing of Delaware Gov. Michael N. Castle, Delaware State University made the following statement through its spokesman Carlos Holmes.
“The Delaware State University community is saddened by Gov. Michael N. Castle’s passing and extends heartfelt condolences to his family.
“During his 40 years of elected public service and beyond, Gov. Castle was a friend and supporter of DSU. After his elected public service years, he was appointed in 2012 by Gov. Jack Markell to become a member of the DSU Board of Trustees. A two-term Board member (2012-2024), Gov. Castle was an engaged and inquisitive member and served on the Board’s Executive, Operations, and Governance committees. Gov. Castle was an active University Trustee until health reasons curtailed his participation on the Board.
“Delaware State University joins its fellow residents of the First State in mourning the passing of Gov. Michael N. Castle and also in celebrating his dedicated career of elected public service leadership.”
