Former Delaware Governor and Congressman Mike Castle died Thursday at age 86 at the Country House in Greenville, Delaware, ending the political career of one of the state’s most successful Republican politicians.
Castle served as Delaware’s 69th governor from 1985 to 1992 and went on to represent the state in the U.S. House of Representatives for nine terms from 1993 to 2011, making him the longest-serving member of Congress in Delaware’s history. His death was attributed to a long illness, according to his obituary.
The Delaware Republican Party announced Castle’s death Thursday but provided no additional details. He died at the facility where he lived with Jane DiSabatino, his wife of 33 years whom he married in May 1992 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Dover.
Born on July 2, 1939, in Wilmington, Castle was the son of a DuPont patent attorney and could trace his family roots to founding fathers Benjamin Franklin and Daniel Carroll. After graduating from Tower Hill School, he earned a degree in economics from Hamilton College and later a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1964.
Castle’s political career spanned more than four decades, beginning with his election to the Delaware General Assembly in 1966. He served in both the state House and Senate for 10 years before being selected as lieutenant governor under Pete du Pont in 1981. With du Pont’s endorsement, Castle was elected governor in 1984 and served two terms before winning Delaware’s lone U.S. House seat.
During his 18 years in Congress, Castle established himself as a leader of centrist Republicans, earning a reputation as a fiscal conservative and social moderate willing to challenge party positions on government spending, environmental protection and abortion. He supported a pay-as-you-go policy for both spending and tax cuts and played significant roles in improving child nutrition programs and establishing the No Child Left Behind education reform program.
Castle’s signature legislative achievement was championing the creation of commemorative coin programs. He authored the bill establishing the popular 50 State Quarters Program, which featured coins honoring each state beginning with Delaware. The Numismatic Guaranty Company dubbed him “The Coinage Congressman” for his efforts. The quarters boosted federal revenues as they were taken out of circulation by collectors.
He also helped establish similar programs honoring U.S. presidents with dollar coins beginning in 2007 and the “America the Beautiful” quarter program featuring national parks, monuments and nature areas starting in 2010. Castle co-sponsored the Brady Bill, which required a five-day waiting period for gun purchases and implemented computerized instant background checks.
Castle’s political career ended abruptly in 2010 when he lost the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Joe Biden, who had become vice president. Despite being favored in the general election, Castle was defeated by political newcomer Christine O’Donnell in a stunning upset during the tea party movement’s anti-establishment fervor. He retired from politics following that defeat.
Former President Joe Biden reflected on their relationship, noting that they rode the train together to Washington for nearly two decades. Biden described Castle as “a thoughtful and kind man” who became a true friend, emphasizing that Castle was defined by his integrity.
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer ordered flags flown at half-staff for one week in Castle’s honor. Meyer recalled how Castle visited every school in Delaware during his gubernatorial tenure, including speaking to Meyer’s high school class with warmth and humility. Senator Chris Coons, who won the 2010 Senate race after Castle’s primary defeat, praised Castle’s character and noted their respectful campaign against each other.
Castle was honored in 2013 when a nearly nine-mile trail along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal was named the Michael N. Castle Trail, which now attracts hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts annually. He also served on the WHYY Board of Directors from 2012 to 2022.
Throughout his career, Castle never lost an election until the 2010 Republican primary. He was known for his bipartisan approach and gained national attention in 2009 when he defended President Barack Obama during a town hall meeting, stating that Obama was indeed a citizen of the United States.
Castle is survived by his wife Jane, described in his obituary as “his everything,” along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Louisa Johnston Castle, Ann Castle Boswell and James Manderson Castle III. A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on August 21 at Chandler Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on August 22 at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church in Greenville.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware or Friends of Wilmington Parks. Delaware Republican Party Chairman Gene Truono said Castle embodied the best of public service through moderation, integrity and steadfast commitment to all Delawareans.
