Ayanna Khan-Flowers

I support responsible economic development and innovation, including new technology, but Delaware families and small businesses should not be asked to subsidize the extraordinary energy demands of large data centers.

I would support evidence-based policies requiring large energy users to pay their fair share of the infrastructure and grid upgrades their projects require. Delaware should also require transparent assessments of a proposed facility’s projected electricity demand, impact on residential rates, grid reliability, water use, and environmental impact before major projects move forward.

At the same time, we must strengthen Delaware’s energy supply and grid reliability by supporting a diverse energy portfolio, including solar and other clean and renewable energy sources, while making decisions based on reliability, affordability, and measurable results.

Technology can create jobs and economic opportunity, and Delaware should welcome responsible investment. But growth must benefit the communities hosting it. My priority will always be protecting residents, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses from being forced to absorb costs created by major corporate energy users.

Delaware’s vulnerability to coastal flooding requires us to plan ahead using the best available science while protecting homeowners, businesses, infrastructure, and taxpayer dollars.

I support continued investment in evidence-based flood mapping and risk assessments so state and local governments can make informed decisions based not only on historical flooding, but also on projected future conditions. We should strengthen stormwater and drainage infrastructure, protect wetlands and natural buffers, support beach and dune restoration, and expand the use of solutions such as living shorelines where they are effective.

I also support helping homeowners, communities, and small businesses understand their individual flood risks and access practical mitigation resources. State infrastructure investments should account for future flood conditions so taxpayers are not repeatedly paying to repair preventable damage.

Most importantly, these decisions should be made with communities, not simply for them. Residents, scientists, local governments, businesses, and environmental experts should all have a voice in developing long-term resilience strategies that protect both our communities and Delaware’s natural resources.

Preventing youth substance use requires more than simply telling young people not to use drugs. We need to understand why young people are using substances and invest in prevention strategies that have demonstrated results.

I support age-appropriate, evidence-based education about marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, opioids, and other substances, including honest information about their effects on adolescent health and development. Delaware should continue using data such as the Delaware School Survey to identify trends and evaluate whether prevention programs are actually working.

Prevention must also include stronger access to school counselors, mental health professionals, mentoring, after-school programs, and early intervention services. Parents and caregivers should be provided with resources to recognize warning signs and have informed conversations with their children.

When a young person is already struggling with substance use, our response should include treatment and support rather than relying solely on punishment. I believe the strongest approach combines education, prevention, family engagement, mental health support, and accountability while continually measuring outcomes and adjusting our strategies based on evidence.