About Mark
I’ve lived in the small town of Leipsic nearly my entire life, just like generations of my family before me. My roots here go back to my great-grandparents in the early 1900s, and this community has shaped who I am. Small towns like Leipsic, and so many others in the 14th Senate District, teach you the kind of life lessons that make Delaware a great place to call home.
I started working at my family’s business when I was just 12 years old. At first, my job was mostly sweeping and cleaning, but my grandfather made sure I learned valuable lessons along the way. I’ll never forget my first day—he told me to sweep the lot, and I worked hard all morning to get it done. When I told him I was finished, he walked out, took a long look, and then pointed to a single cigarette butt I had missed. He told me to sweep the lot again after lunch. The second time, I made sure it was perfect. That’s when he said, “Son, in school, you can get an 80% and pass. But in business, customers pay and expect 100%, or they’ll go someplace else. Always strive for 100%.” That lesson stuck with me for life.
When I was 14, I joined the Leipsic Volunteer Fire Company, where my father served as Chief. That experience taught me about public service, community, and giving back. In those days, our local fire companies were like Delaware’s first Boys and Girls Clubs—places where young people learned work ethic, chain of command, respect, and responsibility.
Before I even graduated high school, I was working as a draftsman at Playtex in Dover while still helping out at the family business. I had studied drafting and design in school, and I owe a lot to my instructor, Jerome Zaback, who played a big role in my education. After high school, I went to work at Star Design, where my team and I helped design DuPont’s first blood-analyzing machine. From there, I worked at Metal Masters and later at what is now the Eagle Group in Clayton before returning to Pugh’s ARCO in the late 1980s to specialize in automotive electronics.
In 1983, I married Patty, the love of my life. We had nearly a decade together before welcoming our daughters, Dani and Taylor. During those early years, before we became parents, both Patty and I became EMTs in the Leipsic Volunteer Fire Company. I also coached a competitive men’s softball team. Around that same time, I started developing an interest in politics, helping out with Senator John Still’s campaign.
A turning point in my life came when Patty’s mother, at just 45 years old, was diagnosed with breast cancer. After going through surgery and standard treatments, she was declared cancer-free—until the cancer came back. We sought treatment at the University of Pennsylvania, where doctors told us there was an experimental procedure that could help, but insurance wouldn’t cover it. The cost? $250,000. Desperate, I reached out to Senator Still, who wasted no time. By noon the very next day, he called me and said, “Have your mother-in-law up to the hospital for her treatment; everything is covered.” That act of service and kindness inspired me to pursue public service myself.
In the early 1990s, I had the privilege of serving the Town of Leipsic on the council and later as Mayor. During that time, I led efforts to stop a wastewater facility from being built upstream from our town and worked to bring public sewer and high-speed internet to residents. I was also able to secure millions of dollars in grants to help families afford hookup fees.
Later, I was appointed by Governor Minner to serve as the Kent County Co-Chair of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) committee for Delaware. Our job was to analyze data and work with industries across the state to plan Delaware’s economic future. That experience reinforced for me just how critical education is to ensuring our state remains economically strong.
After my time on the CEDS committee, I shifted my focus to helping people with a true desire to serve run for office. Over the years, I’ve been involved in numerous political campaigns across Delaware, from U.S. Congress to city council, and for candidates from both parties. For me, the most important thing has always been the willingness to serve others.
Throughout my career, I’ve stayed active in my community in many different ways, including:
- Member, Central Chamber of Commerce
- Member, Kent County Ducks Unlimited
- Member & Past President, Dover Colonial Rotary
- Member & Program Chair, Smyrna/Clayton Rotary
- Member, Duck Creek Regional Library
- Member, Harmony #13, Smyrna, Delaware
Public service isn’t just something I talk about—it’s something I’ve lived. I believe in working hard, doing what’s right, and making sure every Delawarean has the opportunity to succeed. That’s why I’m running—to serve you, to listen, and to fight for the values that make our communities strong.
Thanks for taking the time to check out my website, and please make sure to take a look at my 11-point plan to bring Delaware back to sanity & prosperity. If you’re a hardworking taxpayer or a parent who’s tired of watching things go downhill with no end in sight, I know you agree that it's time to take action and bring Delaware back to where it should be!
All My Best,
Mark R. Pugh