State Representative Jeff Hilovsky announced on May 7 that he will not seek reelection this fall. The two-term legislator said his decision was mainly motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family.
Hilovsky has represented Delaware’s 4th District since its relocation from New Castle County following redistricting in 2022. The district, now situated in central Sussex County between Georgetown and Rehoboth Beach, is among the fastest-growing regions in the state.
A retired optometrist, Hilovsky co-founded Sussex Eye Center and served as medical director and network administrator for Vision Source. He also founded and served as CEO of Leadership is a Lifestyle. In addition to his professional career, Hilovsky is a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, retiring as Colonel and Medical Commander for the 512th Air Wing at Dover Air Force Base in 2007.
During his four years in office, Hilovsky has been known for building cross-party consensus and advancing several legislative initiatives. He played a key role in passing House Substitute 1 for House Bill 203, which requires all Delaware public school students entering ninth grade to complete a half-credit financial literacy course as part of their graduation requirements starting next academic year. Other legislative efforts include bills focused on diabetes care pilot programs, artificial intelligence use in schools, day care support through Purchase of Care enhancements, lowering interest rates on short-term loans, infant vaccination consent laws, revisions to the Community Ombudsman Act, aquaculture industry development, nuclear reactor task forces, and DUI task forces.
Although he will not return for the next General Assembly session (the 154th), Hilovsky said he remains committed to serving constituents until Election Day. In a message to residents of the district he wrote: “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Representative. Every day I walk up those steps and open the door to enter Legislative Hall, I am humbled to serve and work to bring value every day to the citizens of the 4th District and Delaware.
“While I have no plans to slow down, I relish the opportunity to travel with my wife of nearly 46 years Marcia; we will spend more time with our grandchildren watching them grow while actively participating in their lives. This has been an opportunity of a lifetime; I am enriched by the better understanding of the inner workings of government and glad to have met so many wonderful people. I am truly Blessed and thank you for trusting me to serve you.”
