July 22, 2026 · Wilmington, Del.
Statement from Lee Murphy Regarding Candidacy for U.S. House of Representatives
Today, Lee Murphy issued the following statement regarding his filing and decision to step away from the race for the United States House of Representatives:
“After stepping forward and filing my candidacy for Congress last week, I have made the clear and considered decision to step away from the race and withdraw my candidacy.
My priority right now is where it matters most: spending precious, uninterrupted time with my grandchildren and my family.
True leadership means knowing when it is time to hand the torch to a younger generation, and I fundamentally believe stepping aside right now is the right thing to do—not just for my family, but for the future of our conservative movement.
To be completely clear, this decision was made purely on my own terms.
I remain deeply committed to our party’s principles, and I will continue to go out and support our conservative candidates. In fact, I will be working harder than ever before to support candidates up and down the ticket.
I had intended to deliver this news directly and in a timely fashion to the people of Delaware including my family and friends.
Unfortunately, an “individual” posted an unauthorized Facebook post.
To the supporters, volunteers, and friends who have stood by me throughout my journey: thank you. Your trust and dedication mean the world to me, and I look forward to supporting the next generation of leaders alongside you.”
— Lee
Lee Murphy Endorses Dr. Mike Katz for U.S. Senate
True to his commitment to supporting conservative candidates up and down the ticket, Lee Murphy has issued the following formal endorsement of Dr. Mike Katz for the United States Senate:
Read the endorsement as text
To my fellow Delawareans,
When I ran for Congress, I did so after spending 35 years working on the railroad at Amtrak. That experience taught me how to listen to regular, hard-working people and gave me a direct look at how disconnected Washington has become from the daily realities facing families across our state.
From New Castle County down to the towns of Sussex, voters are tired of standard political theater.
They want principled, common-sense leadership.
Our party and our state require leaders with genuine backbone. We have all witnessed candidates who campaign on strong platforms at home, only to compromise their principles and yield to the political establishment the moment they cross state lines. Delaware cannot afford representation that shifts with the political wind. Not to worry! Because it's a new day for Delaware!
It is for this reason that I am proud to formally endorse Dr. Mike Katz for the United States Senate.
Dr. Katz is a dedicated public servant, a pediatric anesthesiologist, a business owner, and a true servant leader. He has spent his entire career putting the well-being of others first, listening to his community, and solving complex problems under pressure.
He is a political outsider whose commitment to core conservative values—strict fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, limited government, and secure borders—is unwavering. He is not interested in accolades from the Washington elite; he is focused entirely on delivering results for the people of Delaware.
This election, however, extends beyond a single seat in Washington. We are currently engaged in a critical effort to preserve the balance of power right here at home. We need a smart, resilient leader at the top of our ticket who possesses the capability to build broad coalitions and unify our party.
Dr. Katz has the unique ability to mobilize voters across the state, which will ultimately help us support our down-ballot candidates and protect the Delaware legislature from a one-sided supermajority.
Throughout my time on the campaign trail, my focus has always been simple: control wasteful spending, protect our economy, and bring a practical approach to government. I know Dr. Mike Katz shares these exact priorities. He is a leader of integrity who answers directly to the voters, not to special interests or party insiders.
We have a rare opportunity to restore balance to Dover and bring steadfast leadership to Washington.
I am excited to join Mike on the campaign trail to meet with voters and deliver this message across the First State.
I urge all Delawareans to join me in supporting a leader we can trust to stand his ground, and to vote for Dr. Mike Katz for U.S. Senate.
Sincerely,
Lee Murphy
Former 2x Republican Nominee for U.S. House of
Representatives, Delaware