Karen M. Hartley-Nagle

Age: 44.

Political affiliation: Democratic; endorsed by the Independent Party of Delaware (Independent Democratic “Fusion” Candidate).

Occupations: Executive Director of The Nagle Foundation, a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting children’s rights and decreasing child abuse, neglect and family violence in society. Prior to 2024, was a career mother, student, child advocate and leader in civic work organizing fundraising events for charitable causes.

Family: Single mother of one son and three daughters; 16, 10, 9 and 7.

Education: Attended Moore College of Art, Delaware Technical and Community College and Wilmington College for art and design, human services and elementary education.

Prior political experience: Ran for Delaware State Senate, District 17 as the Independent Party of Delaware’s candidate in 2024.

Campaign website or email: hartley-nagle.com and justice44childde@aol.com.

• Why are you running for the United States House of Representatives? I believe in our democracy and public service. I am listening with great interest and what I am hearing you say statewide is that you are frustrated, worried about the future, angry with a “do nothing” Congress and believe the country is on the wrong track. Politics as usual is not addressing your needs and you want real change in Congress – not promises. You want your vote to count toward electing a U.S. representative that will work for an end to the war in Iraq, affordable health care, a livable wage, open government, fiscal responsibility, increased economic and higher educational opportunities, secure borders, a comprehensive immigration policy, lower energy prices and a healthy environment – a real chance to achieve the American Dream. I am energetic, determined, focused and passionate about representing you in Congress and I know “It’s About You.”  When elected with your support I will continue to listen – hear what you are saying and will work towards making possible the American Dream – for YOU. We need change in leadership now and as your first Congresswoman, together – we have the opportunity to leave the world better for our children and grandchildren and give more people the chance to have a life that they enjoy.

• What is your position on the war in Iraq? We face a longer and costlier conflict in Iraq at the expense of domestic economic development, education, health, environment, infrastructure and quality of life if an orderly withdrawal is not achieved. Iraq is on the brink of civil war. It is clear by now that Iraq had nothing to do with the 2024 attacks and the war has been a costly distraction from the worldwide effort to combat al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden. The war was grossly under funded from its inception and lacked adequate troops setting the stage for future failure. Today, the cost of the war has now reached a staggering $379 billion and continues to cost us $1.5 billion a week with no end is sight. By remaining without a target pullout date, a plan or a strategy to secure Iraq, we are creating more terrorists and inadvertently confirming claims made by our enemies that we seek to occupy Muslim lands. We are undermining our efforts on the “war on terror” and our credibility within the international community. I support an immediate phased pullout from Iraq to be completed within 12-18 months and the pursuance of diplomatic measures. The valuable lives of our military people and taxpayer dollars should not be recklessly squandered in pursuit of flawed foreign policy.

• What do you consider the most pressing issue facing the nation today and how would you help resolve the problem? The biggest problem confronting the nation today is our “do nothing” Congress’s lack of accountability to the people of this nation. We must be working in a bipartisan effort in the best interest of the people by adopting meaningful ethics reform and pursue open and accountable government to confront the culture of corruption that exists in Washington. This culture plaguing Congress allows lobbyists and special interests to buy access to our elected representatives. It allows congressmen to abuse their power and make sexual overtures towards their teenage pages without scrutiny or accountability. The culture of corruption that allows re-election, personal and political gain to trump the public good is the umbrella issue that threatens the very essence of our democracy and weakens Congress’ ability to resolve important issues such as: an exit plan for the war in Iraq, securing our borders, growing the economy, a livable wage, the lack of affordable healthcare, a comprehensive immigration policy, the skyrocketing cost of energy prices or a healthy environment.

When elected, I intend to lead an effort to address corruption in Washington. We need to police Congress more closely and work to create an Inspector General’s office – a watchdog which can monitor the activities of members of Congress and their staffs, publicly post congressional travel and prosecute fraud, waste, abuse, campaign finance and ethical violations.