Earl
Cooper
Earl Cooper is a Delaware Republican who ran unsuccessfully in the 2026 primary for Delaware's at-large U.S. House seat.
- sources
- 9
- positions
- 5
- endorsements
- 1
Background
Earl L. Cooper is a Delaware Republican who ran in the September 15, 2026, primary for the state's at-large U.S. House seat, challenging the eventual Republican nominee Joe Arminio. Cooper received 7,772 votes in the primary but did not advance to the general election. 710
Before entering politics, Cooper worked as a pastor and operated a heavy-highway construction company for several decades, closing the business earlier in 2026. He has also been involved in mentoring young people and workforce training. FOX 29 identified him as president of Everyone Can Achieve Corporation, though the sources reviewed do not confirm that as his current primary role. 58
Cooper previously ran for the same U.S. House seat in 2024, but as a Democrat, losing in that primary as well. In 2026 he ran as a Republican. The incumbent in Delaware's at-large seat is Sarah McBride, who was seeking a second term. 3175
No prior elected office, formal education details, or confirmed hometown have been established by the sources reviewed. 13
At a glance
- Party
- Republican
- Running for
- U.S. House · District At-large, Delaware
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Website
- earlcooperforcongress.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Sep 25newsCooper listed among write-in candidates in Delaware LIVE 2026 voter guide
The Delaware LIVE voter guide listed Cooper as a write-in candidate in the general election for Delaware's At-Large Congressional District, noting that background checks were still pending at the time of publication.
2026 Voters Guide | Delaware LIVE News · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 21filingCooper announces and files as a write-in candidate for Delaware's At-Large seat
Cooper filed as a write-in candidate with the Delaware Department of Elections. He told WHYY: 'I am a man of color. I am an African American, and I felt like he's setting us back,' citing disagreement with Arminio and a desire to give Delawareans a choice.
Delaware candidate's transphobic remarks spark write-in bids - WHYY · Sep 21, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 15filingCooper finishes third in Republican primary with 20% of the vote
Certified results show Cooper received 7,772 votes (20.0%), finishing third behind winner Joseph Arminio (47.9%) and John Whalen III (32.2%) in the Republican primary for Delaware's At-Large Congressional District.
Delaware U.S. House Primary Election Live Results 2026 · Sep 15, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 14endorsementDelaware Republican Party endorsed Earl Cooper ahead of the primary election
Before primary day, the Delaware Republican Party had endorsed Cooper in the Republican primary for Delaware's At-Large Congressional District, according to Delaware Public Media's pre-election coverage.
What's at stake Tuesday in Delaware's primary election · Sep 14, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Delaware Republican Party organizationThe Delaware Republican Party posted that it 'proudly endorsed' Earl Cooper for U.S. Congress following its 2026 state convention. Also reported by Spotlight Delaware on September 10 and September 16, 2026, and listed on iVoterGuide. x.com · Apr 27, 2026
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $0
- Spent
- $0
- Cash on hand
- $0
Reporting date not available. ↳ FEC record H4DE01092(opens in a new tab)
Sources 9
- [1] 2026 Voters Guide | Delaware LIVE News(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
- [2] Delaware candidate's transphobic remarks spark write-in bids - WHYY(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
- [3] Delaware U.S. House Primary Election Live Results 2026(opens in a new tab) Sep 15, 2026
- [4] Standing for Delaware - Earl Cooper(opens in a new tab) Sep 14, 2026
- [5] What's at stake Tuesday in Delaware's primary election(opens in a new tab) Sep 14, 2026
- [6] Meet the Republicans vying to challenge US Rep. McBride in November(opens in a new tab) Sep 1, 2026
- [7] Delaware Republican Party(opens in a new tab) Apr 27, 2026
- [8] Contenders for Delaware’s lone U.S. House seat vie for party nominations(opens in a new tab) Jan 15, 2025
- [9] Delaware Congressional candidates spar on abortion, foreign policy(opens in a new tab) Aug 29, 2024