Dem senator defeats challenger named 'No-Trump' in Delaware primary

A Democratic stalwart cruised to a primary victory in Delaware on Tuesday, including fending off an opponent with an anti-Trump name.

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., easily held on against a small field of primary challengers and clinched the Democratic nomination for Senate in a race for a third term that he’s expected to win in November, and he did it while besting an opponent with an unusual name: E. No-Trump Hansen.

Hansen, formerly known as Eric Hansen, a former business executive, ran on a platform of curbing presidential power. His solution to President Donald Trump’s "worst impulses" was to pass legislation that would limit presidential power to "restore real checks and balances, and root out corruption and self-dealing."

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Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., speaks during a press conference with the American delegation, consisting of senators and members of the House of Representatives, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Jan. 17, 2026. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

"The name E. (Eric) No-Trump Hansen isn't a gimmick — it's his complete commitment to positive change," his campaign website said.

Hansen told local outlet WHYY that he changed his name to reflect his opposition to Trump.

"Trump has said he’ll go after his critics by any means available," Hansen said. "He will go after me, but I’m willing to bear that risk anyway — because the alternative is letting things get worse for Delawareans."

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A statement of candidacy filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) showed that Hansen officially began campaigning under his new moniker in July. Previously, Hansen ran as a Republican in 2024 and scored the GOP nomination.

He ultimately lost to Sen. Lisa Blunt-Rochester, D-Del.

Meanwhile, Coons’ victory over Hansen, Jeff Appelhans and Mary Louve tees up a November challenge against either Mike Katz or John Shulli.

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Former President Joe Biden addresses from a podium. (Manuel Ceneta/AP Photo)

And Coons, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, has history on his side. The lawmaker first entered Congress to replace then-Sen. Joe Biden, who was tapped by former President Barack Obama to be his running mate.

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He won his first full term in 2014 and has maintained his grip on the position ever since. The First State hasn’t sent a Republican to the upper chamber since 1966, when former Sen. J. Caleb Boggs lost re-election.

Boggs was ousted by a 29-year-old Biden, cementing Delaware as a deep-blue stronghold for decades to come.